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J 

Cbe  <£lo be  Coition 


THE  ILIAD  OF  HOMER 


MACMILLAN  AND  CO.,  Limited 

LONDON  • BOMBAY  • CALCUTTA  « MADRAS 
MELBOURNE 

THE  MACMILLAN  COMPANY 

NEW  YORK  • BOSTON  • CHICAGO 
DALLAS  • SAN  FRANCISCO 

THE  MACMILLAN  CO.  OF  CANADA,  Ltd. 

TORONTO 


THE 


ILIAD  OF  HOMER 


DONE  INTO  ENGLISH  PROSE 


BY 


'ANDREW  LANG,  M.A.  WALTER  LEAF,  Litt.D. 

LATE  FELLOW  OF  MERTON  COLLEGE,  LATE  FELLOW  OF  TRINITY  COLLEGE, 

OXFORD  CAMBRIDGE 

AND 


ERNEST  MYERS,  M.A. 

LATE  FELLOW  OF  WADHAM  COLLEGE, 
OXFORD 


REVISED  EDITION 


1948 

MACMILLAN  AND  CO.,  LIMITED 
ST.  MARTIN’S  STREET,  LONDON 
1927 


COPYRIGHT 


First  Edition  1882 

Reprinted  1883,  1889,  1891,  and  with  correctiofis  1892 
Reprinted  1893,  1895,  1897,  1898,  1900,  1901,  1903^  1906,  1907,  1909,  1911,  1Q12 
Globe  Edition  1914.  Reprinted  1919,  1921,  1922,  1923,  1925,  1927 


PRINTED  IN  GREAT  BRITAIN 
BY  R.  & R.  CLARK,  LIMITED,  EDINBURGH 


PREFATORY  NOTE. 

The  execution  of  this  version  of  the  Iliad  has  been 
entrusted  to  the  three  Translators  in  the  following 
three  parts  : — 

Books  I.— IX W.  Leaf. 

„ X.— XVI A.  Lang. 

„ XVII.— XXIV E.  Myers. 

Each  Translator  is  therefore  responsible  for  his 
own  portion  ; but  the  whole  has  been  revised  by 
all  three  Translators,  and  the  rendering  of  passages 
or  phrases  recurring  in  more  than  one  portion  has 
been  determined  after  deliberation  in  common.  Even 
in  these,  however,  a certain  elasticity  has  been  deemed 
desirable. 

On  a few  doubtful  points,  though  very  rarely, 
the  opinion  of  two  of  the  Translators  has  had  to  be 
adopted  to  the  suppression  of  that  held  by  the  third. 
Thus,  for  instance,  the  Translator  of  Books  X. — XVI. 


1948 


VJ 


PREFATORY  NOTE 


would  have  preferred  “ c ” and  “ us  ” to  “ k ” and  “ os  ” 
in  the  spelling  of  all  proper  names. 

The  text  followed  has  been  that  of  La  Roche 
(Leipzig,  1873),  except  where  the  adoption  of  a 
different  reading  has  been  specified  in  a footnote. 
Where  the  balance  of  evidence,  external  and  inter- 
nal, has  seemed  to  the  Translator  to  be  against  the 
genuineness  of  any  passage,  such  passage  has  been 
enclosed  in  square  brackets  [ ]. 

The  Translator  of  Books  X. — XVI.  has  to  thank 
Mr.  R.  W.  Raper,  Fellow  of  Trinity  College,  Oxford, 
for  his  valuable  aid  in  revising  the  proof-sheets  of 
these  Books. 


NOTE  TO  REVISED  EDITION. 

In  the  present  Edition  the  translation  has  been 
carefully  revised  throughout,  and  numerous  minor 
corrections  have  been  made.  The  Notes  at  the  end 
of  the  volume  have  been,  with  a few  exceptions, 
omitted  ; one  of  the  Translators  hopes  to  publish 
very  shortly  a Companion  to  the  Iliad  for  English 


NOTE  TO  REVISED  EDITION  vii 

readers,  which  will  deal  fully  with  most  of  the  points 
therein  referred  to. 

The  use  of  square  brackets  has  in  this  edition 
been  restricted  to  passages  where  there  is  external 
evidence,  such  as  absence  from  the  best  MSS.,  for 
believing  in  interpolation.  One  or  two  departures 
from  this  rule  are  noticed  in  footnotes. 


Nwtmbtr  189T. 


The  sacred  soil  of  Ilios  is  rent 
With  shaft  and  pit  ; foiled  waters  wander  slow 
Through  plains  where  Simois  and  Scamander  went 
To  WAR  WITH  GODS  AND  HEROES  LONG  AGO. 

Not  yet  to  dark  Cassandra  lying  low 
In  rich  Mycenae  do  the  Fates  relent  ; 

The  bones  of  Agamemnon  are  a show, 

And  ruined  is  his  royal  monument. 

The  dust  and  awful  treasures  of  the  dead 
Hath  Learning  scattered  wide;  but  vainly  thee, 
Homer,  she  meteth  with  her  Lesbian  lead, 

And  strives  to  rend  thy  songs,  too  blind  is  she 
To  know  the  crown  on  thine  immortal  head 
Of  indivisible  supremacy.  A.  L. 


Athwart  the  sunrise  of  our  western  day 
The  form  of  great  Achilles,  high  and  clear, 

Stands  forth  in  arms,  wielding  the  Pelian  spear. 
The  sanguine  tides  of  that  immortal  fray, 

Swept  on  by  gods,  around  him  surge  and  sway. 
Wherethrough  the  helms  of  many  a warrior  peer, 
Strong  men  and  swift,  their  tossing  plumes  uprear. 
But  stronger,  swifter,  goodlier  he  than  they, 

More  awful,  more  divine.  Yet  mark  anigh  ; 

Some  fiery  pang  hath  rent  his  soul  within. 

Some  hovering  shade  his  brows  encompasseth. 
What  gifts  hath  Fate  for  all  his  chivalry? 

Even  such  as  hearts  heroic  oftenest  win  ; 

Honour,  a friend,  anguish,  untimely  death. 


E.  M. 


BOOK  I. 


How  Agamemnon  and  Achilles  fell  out  at  the  siege  of  Troy  ; and 
Achilles  withdrew  himself  from  battle,  and  won  from  Zeus  a 
pledge  that  his  wrong  should  be  avenged  on  Agamemnon  and 
the  Achalans. 

Sing,  goddess,  the  wrath  of  Achilles  Peleus’  son,  the  ruinous 
wrath  that  brought  on  the  Achalans  woes  innumerable,  and 
hurled  down  into  Hades  many  strong  souls  of  heroes,  and 
gave  their  bodies  to  be  a prey  to  dogs  and  all  winged 
fowls  ; and  so  the  counsel  of  Zeus  wrought  out  its  accom- 
plishment from  the  day  when  first  strife  parted  Atreides 
king  of  men  and  noble  Achilles. 

Who  then  among  the  gods  set  the  twain  at  strife  and 
variance  ? Even  the  son  of  Leto  and  of  Zeus ; for  he  in 
anger  at  the  king  sent  a sore  plague  upon  the  host,  that  the 
folk  began  to  perish,  because  Atreides  had  done  dishonour 
to  Chryses  the  priest  For  he  had  come  to  the  Achaians’ 
fleet  ships  to  win  his  daughters  freedom,  and  brought  a 
ransom  beyond  telling ; and  bare  in  his  hands  the  fillet  of 
Apollo  the  Far-darter  upon  a golden  staff ; and  made  his 
prayer  unto  all  the  Achaians,  and  most  of  all  to  the  two 
sons  of  Atreus,  orderers  of  the  host:  “Ye  sons  of  Atreus 
and  all  ye  well-greaved  Achaians,  now  may  the  gods  that 
dwell  in  the  mansions  of  Olympus  grant  you  to  lay  waste  the 
city  of  Priam,  and  to  fare  happily  homeward ; only  set  ye 


2 


ILIAD  I,  20-52 


my  dear  child  free,  and  accept  the  ransom  in  reverence  to 
the  son  of  Zeus,  far-darting  Apollo.” 

Then  all  the  other  Achaians  cried  assent,  to  reverence 
the  priest  and  accept  his  goodly  ransom ; yet  the  thing 
pleased  not  the  heart  of  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus,  but  he 
roughly  sent  him  away,  and  laid  stem  charge  upon  him, 
saying  : “ Let  me  not  find  thee,  old  man,  amid  the  hollow 
ships,  whether  tarrying  now  or  returning  again  hereafter,  lest 
the  staff  and  fillet  of  the  god  avail  thee  naught  And  her 
will  I not  set  free  ; nay,  ere  that  shall  old  age  come  on  her 
in  our  house,  in  Argos,  far  from  her  native  land,  where  she 
shall  ply  the  loom  and  serve  my  couch.  But  depart,  pro- 
voke me  not,  that  thou  mayest  the  rather  go  in  peace.” 

So  said  he,  and  the  old  man  was  afraid  and  obeyed  his 
word,  and  fared  silently  along  the  shore  of  the  loud-sound- 
ing sea.  Then  went  that  aged  man  apart  and  prayed  aloud 
to  king  Apollo,  whom  Leto  of  the  fair  locks  bare : “ Hear  me, 
god  of  the  silver  bow,  that  standest  over  Chryse  and  holy 
Killa,  and  rulest  Tenedos  with  might,  O Srnintheus  ! If 
ever  I built  a temple  gracious  in  thine  eyes,  or  if  ever  I 
burnt  to  thee  fat  flesh  of  thighs  of  bulls  or  goats,  fulfil  thou 
this  my  desire ; let  the  Danaans  pay  by  thine  arrows  for  my 
teart." 

So  spake  he  in  prayer,  and  Phoebus  Apollo  heard  him, 
and  came  down  from  the  peaks  of  Olympus  wroth  at  heart, 
bearing  on  his  shoulders  his  bow  and  covered  quiver.  And 
the  arrows  clanged  upon  his  shoulders  in  his  wrath,  as  the 
god  moved  ; and  he  descended  like  to  night  Then  he  sate 
him  aloof  from  the  ships,  and  let  an  arrow  fly ; and  there  was 
heard  a dread  clanging  of  the  silver  bow.  First  did  he 
assail  the  mules  and  fleet  dogs,  but  afterward,  aiming  at  the 
men  his  piercing  dart,  he  smote ; and  the  pyres  of  the  dead 
burat  continually  in  multitude. 


ILIAD  I,  53-83 


3 


Now  for  nine  days  ranged  the  god’s  shafts  through  the 
host ; but  on  the  tenth  Achilles  summoned  the  folk  to 
assembly,  for  in  his  mind  did  goddess  Hera  of  the  white 
arms  put  the  thought,  because  she  had  pity  on  the  Danaans 
when  she  beheld  them  perishing.  Now  when  they  bad 
gathered  and  were  met  in  assembly,  then  Achilles  fleet  of 
foot  stood  up  and  spake  among  them  : “ Son  of  Atreus,  now 
deem  I that  we  shall  return  wandering  home  again — if  verily 
we  might  escape  death — if  war  at  once  and  pestilence  must 
indeed  ravage  the  Achaians.  But  come,  let  us  now  inquire 
of  some  soothsayer  or  pries t,_jea,  or  an  interpreter  of  dreams 
— seeing  that  a dream  too  is  of  Zeus — who  shall  say  where- 
fore Phoebus  Apollo  is  so  wroth,  whether  he  blame  us  by 
reason  of  vow  or  hecatomb  ; if  perchance  he  would  accept 
the  savour  of  lambs  or  unblemished  goats,  and  so  would 
take  away  the  pestilence  from  us.” 

So  spake  he  and  sate  him  down  ; and  there  stood  up 
before  them  Kalchas  son  of  Thestor,  most  excellent  far  of 
augurs,  who  knew  both  things  that  were  and  that  should  be 
and  that  had  been  before,  and  guided  the  ships  of  the  Achaians 
to  Ilios  by  his  soothsaying  that  Phoebus  Apollo  bestowed  on 
him.  He  of  good  intent  made  harangue  and  spake  amid 
them  : “ Achilles,  dear  to  Zeus,  thou  biddest  me  tell  the  wrath 
of  Apollo,  the  king  that  smiteth  afar.  Therefore  will  I speak  ; 
but  do  thou  make  covenant  with  me,  and  swear  that  verily 
with  all  thy  heart  thou  wilt  aid  me  both  by  word  and  deed. 
For  of  a truth  I deem  that  I shall  provoke  one  that  ruleth 
all  the  Argives  with  might,  and  whom  the  Achaians  obey. 
For  a king  is  more  of  might  when  he  is  wroth  with  a meaner 
man ; even  though  for  the  one  day  he  swallow  his  anger,  yet 
doth  he  still  keep  his  displeasure  thereafter  in  his  breast  till 
he  accomplish  it.  Consider  thou  then,  if  thou  wilt  hold  me 
cafe." 


4 


ILIAD  I,  S4-114 


And  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  made  answer  and  spake  to 
him  : "Yea,  be  of  good  courage,  speak  whatever  soothsaying 
thou  knowest ; for  by  Apollo  dear  to  Zeus,  him  by  whose 
worship  thou,  O Kalchas,  declarest  thy  soothsaying  to  the 
Danaans,  no  man  while  I live  and  behold  light  on  earth 
shall  lay  violent  hands  upon  thee  amid  the  hollow  ships ; 
no  man  of  all  the  Danaans,  not  even  if  thou  mean  Aga- 
memnon, that  now  avoweth  him  to  be  greatest  far  of  the 
Achaians.” 

Then  was  the  noble  seer  of  good  courage,  and  spake : 
“ Neither  by  reason  of  a vow  is  he  displeased,  nor  for  any 
hecatomb,  but  for  his  priest’s  sake  to  whom  Agamemnon 
did  despite,  and  set  not  his  daughter  free  and  accepted  not 
the  ransom ; therefore  hath  the  Far-darter  brought  woes 
upon  us,  yea,  and  will  bring.  Nor  will  he  ever  remove  the 
loathly  pestilence  from  the  Danaans  till  we  have  given  the 
bright-eyed  damsel  to  her  father,  unbought,  unransomed,  and 
carried  a holy  hecatomb  to  Chryse ; then  might  we  propitiate 
him  to  our  prayer.” 

So  said  he  and  sate  him  down,  and  there  stood  up  before 
them  the  hero  son  of  Atreus,  wide-ruling  Agamemnon,  sore 
displeased ; and  his  dark  heart  within  him  was  greatly 
filled  with  anger,  and  his  eyes  were  like  flashing  fire.  Tc 
Kalchas  first  spake  he  with  look  of  ill : “ Thou  seer  of  evil, 
never  yet  hast  thou  told  me  the  thing  that  is  pleasant  Evil 
is  ever  the  joy  of  thy  heart  to  prophesy,  but  never  yet  didst 
thou  tell  any  good  matter  nor  bring  it  to  pass.  And  now 
with  soothsaying  thou  makest  harangue  among  the  Danaans, 
how  that  the  Far-darter  bringeth  woes  upon  them  because, 
forsooth,  I would  not  take  the  goodly  ransom  of  the  damsel 
Chryseis,  seeing  I am  the  rather  fain  to  keep  her  own  self 
within  mine  house  Yea,  I prefer  her  before  Klytaimnestra 
my  wedded  wife ; in  no  wise  is  she  lacking  beside  her. 


ILIAD  L 115-147^  5 

aeither  in  favour  nor  stature,  nor  wit  nor  skill  Yet  for 
ail  this  will  I give  her  back,  if  that  is  better ; rather  would 
I see  my  folk  whole  than  perishing.  Only  mike  ye  me 
ready  a prize  of  honour  forthwith,  lest  I alone  ofyah  the 
Argives  be  disprized,  which  thing  beseem eth  not ; for'  ye  ail 
behold  how  my  prize  is  departing  from  me.'"’ 

To  him  then  made  answer  fleet-footed  goodly  Achilles: 
M Most  noble  son  of  Atreus,  of  all  men  most  covetous,  how 
shall  the  great-hearted  Achaians  give  thee  a meed  of  honour? 
We  know  naught  of  any  wealth  of  common  store,  but  what 
spoil  soe:er  we  took  from  captured  dries  hath  been  appor- 
tioned, and  it  beseem  eth  not  to  beg  all  this  hack  from  the 
folk.  Nay,  yield  thou  the  damsel  to  the  god,  and  we 
Achaians  will  pay  thee  back  threefold  and  fourfold,  if  ever 
Zeus  grant  us  to  sack  some  well-wailed  town  of  Troy-land.”1 

To  him  lord  Agamemnon  made  answer  and  said:  “ Not 
in  this  wise,  strong  as  thou  art,  O godlike  Achilles,  beguile 
thou  me  by  craft : thou  shall  not  outwit  me  nor  persuade 
me  Dost  thou  wish,  that  thou  mayest  keep  thy  meed  of 
honour,  for  me  to  sit  idle  in  bereavement,  and  biddesi  me 
give  her  back?  Nay,  if  the  great-hearted  Achaians  will 
give  me  a meed  suited  to  my  mind,  that  the  recompense  be 
equal — but  if  they  give  it  not,  then  I myself  will  go  and  take 
a meed  of  honour,  thine  be  it  or  Alas’,  cr  Odysseus’  that  I 
wiil  take  unto  me ; wroth  shall  he  be  to  whomsoever  I come. 
But  for  this  we  will  take  counsel  hereafter ; new  let  us  launch 
a black  ship  on  the  great  sea,  and  gather  picked  oarsmen, 
and  set  therein  a hecatomb,  and  embark  Chryseis  of  the  fair 
cheeks  herself,  and  let  one  of  our  counsellors  be  captain, 
Aias  or  Idomeneus  or  goodly  Odysseus,  or  thou.  Peleides, 
most  redoubtable  of  men,  to  dc  sacrifice  for  us  and  propi 
date  the  F ar -darter. " 

1 Reading  with  Cobe:  T xf*  fcr 


6 


ILIAD  I,  148-180 


Then  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  looked  at  him  scowling  and 
said : “ Ah  me,  thou  clothed  in  shamelessness,  thou  of  crafty 
mind,  how  shall  any  Achaian  hearken  to  thy  bidding  with 
all  his  heart,  be  it  to  go  a journey  or  to  fight  the  foe  amain  ? 
Not  by  reason  of  the  Trojan  spearmen  came  I hither  to 
fight,  for  they  have  not  wronged  me ; never  did  they  harry 
mine  oxen  nor  my  horses,  nor  ever  waste  my  harvest  in  deep- 
soiled  Phthia,  the  nurse  of  men  ; seeing  there  lieth  between 
us  long  space  of  shadowy  mountains  and  sounding  sea ; but 
thee,  thou  shameless  one,  followed  we  hither  to  make  thee 
glad,  by  earning  recompense  at  the  Trojans’  hands  for 
Menelaos  and  for  thee,  thou  dog-face ! All  this  thou 
reckonest  not  nor  takest  thought  thereof;  and  now  thou 
tkreatenest  thyself  to  take  my  meed  of  honour,  wherefor 
I travailed  much,  and  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  gave  it 
me.  Never  win  I meed  like  unto  thine,  when  the  Achaians 
sack  any  populous  citadel  of  Trojan  men ; my  hands  bear 
the  brunt  of  furious  war,  but  when  the  apportioning  cometh 
then  is  thy  meed  far  ampler,  and  I betake  me  to  the  ships 
with  some  small  thing,  yet  mine  own,  when  I have  fought  to 
weariness.  Now  will  I depart  to  Phthia,  seeing  it  is  far 
better  to  return  home  on  my  beaked  ships;  nor  am  I 
minded  here  in  dishonour  to  draw  thee  thy  fill  of  riches  and 
wealth.” 

Then  Agamemnon  king  of  men  made  answer  to  him , 
“Yea,  flee,  if  thy  soul  be  set  thereon.  It  is  not  I that 
beseech  thee  to  tarry  for  my  sake ; I have  others  by  my  side 
that  shall  do  me  honour,  and  above  all  Zeus,  lord  of  counsel. 
Most  hateful  art  thou  to  me  of  all  kings,  fosterlings  of  Zeus ; 
thou  ever  lovest  strife  and  wars  and  fightings.  Though  thou 
be  very  strong,  yet  that  I ween  is  a gift  to  thee  of  God.  Go 
home  with  thy  ships  and  company  and  lord  it  among  thy 
Myrmidons ; I reck  not  aught  of  thee  nor  care  I for  thim* 


I 

I 


ILIAD  I,  180-213 


7 


indignation  ; and  this  shall  be  my  threat  to  thee  : seeing 
Phoebus  Apollo  bereaveth  me  of  Chryseis,  her  with  my  ship 
and  my  company  will  I send  back  ; and  mine  own  self  will  I 
go  to  thy  hut  and  take  Briseis  of  the  fair  cheeks,  even  that 
thy  meed  of  honour,  that  thou  mayest  well  know  how  far 
greater  I am  than  thou,  and  so  shall  another  hereafter  abhor 
to  match  his  words  with  mine  and  rival  me  to  my  face.” 

So  said  he,  and  grief  came  upon  Peleus’  son,  and  his 
heart  within  his  shaggy  breast  was  divided  in  counsel, 
whether  to  draw  his  keen  blade  from  his  thigh  and  set 
the  company  aside  and  so  slay  Atreides,  or  to  assuage  his 
anger  and  curb  his  soul.  While  yet  he  doubted  thereof  in 
heart  and  soul,  and  was  drawing  his  great  sword  from  his 
sheath,  Athene  came  to  him  from  heaven,  sent  forth  of  the 
white -armed  goddess  Hera,  whose  heart  loved  both  alike 
and  had  care  for  them.  She  stood  behind  Peleus’  son  and 
caught  him  by  his  golden  hair,  to  him  only  visible,  and  of 
the  rest  no  man  beheld  ber.  Then  Achilles  marvelled,  and 
turned  him  about,  and  straightway  knew  Pallas  Athene ; and 
terribly  shone  her  eyes.  He  spake  to  her  winged  words,  and 
said:  “Why  now  art  thou  come  hither,  thou  daughter  of 
aegis-bearing  Zeus  ? Is  it  to  behold  the  insolence  of  Aga- 
memnon, son  of  Atreus  ? Yea,  I will  tell  thee  that  I deem 
shall  even  be  brought  to  pass : by  his  own  haughtinesses 
shall  he  soon  lose  his  life.” 

Then  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene  spake  to  him  again  : 
“ I came  from  heaven  to  stay  thine  anger,  if  perchance  thou 
wilt  hearken  to  me,  being  sent  forth  of  the  white -armed 
goddess  Hera,  that  loveth  you  twain  alike  and  careth  for  you. 
Go  to  now,  cease  from  strife,  and  let  not  thine  hand  draw 
the  sword  ; yet  with  words  indeed  revile  him,  even  as  it  shall 
come  to  pass.  For  thus  will  1 say  to  thee,  and  so  it  shall  be 
fulfdled ; hereafter  shall  goodly  gifts  come  to  thee,  yea  in 


I 


8 


ILIAD  I,  213-243 


threefold  measure,  by  reason  of  this  despite;  hold  thou 
thine  hand,  and  hearken  to  us.” 

And  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  made  answer  and  said  to  her : 
“Goddess,  needs  must  a man  observe  the  saying  of  you 
twain,  even  though  he  be  very  wroth  at  heart ; for  so  is  the 
better  way.  Whosoever  obeyeth  the  gods,  to  him  they 
gladly  hearken." 

He  said,  and  stayed  his  heavy  hand  on  the  silver  hilt, 
and  thrust  the  great  sword  back  into  the  sheath,  and  was  not 
disobedient  to  the  saying  of  Athene ; and  she  forthwith  was 
departed  to  Olympus,  to  the  other  gods  in  the  palace  of 
aegis-bearing  Zeus. 

Then  Peleus’  son  spake  again  with  bitter  words  to 
Atreus’  son,  and  in  no  wise  ceased  from  anger : “ Thou 
heavy  with  wine,  thou  with  face  of  dog  and  heart  of  deer, 
never  didst  thou  take  courage  to  arm  for  battle  among  thy 
folk  or  to  lay  ambush  with  the  princes  of  the  Achaians ; 
that  to  thee  were  even  as  death.  Far  better  booteth  it,  for- 
sooth, to  seize  for  thyself  the  meed  of  honour  of  every  man 
through  the  wide  host  of  the  Achaians  that  speaketh  con- 
trary to  thee.  Folk-devouring  king  1 seeing  thou  rulest  men 
of  naught ; else  were  this  despite,  thou  son  of  Atreus,  thy 
last  But  I will  speak  my  word  to  thee,  and  swear  a mighty 
oath  therewith : verily  by  this  staff  that  shall  no  more  put 
forth  leaf  or  twig,  seeing  it  hath  for  ever  left  its  trunk  among 
the  hills,  neither  shall  it  grow  green  again,  because  the  axe 
hath  stripped  it  of  leaves  and  bark ; and  now  the  sons  of 
the  Achaians  that  exercise  judgment  bear  it  in  their  hands, 
even  they  that  by  Zeus’  command  watch  over  the  traditions 
— so  shall  this  be  a mighty  oath  in  thine  eyes — verily  shall 
longing  for  Achilles  come  hereafter  upon  the  sons  of  the 
Achaians  one  and  all ; and  then  wilt  thou  in  no  wise  avail 
to  save  them,  for  all  thy  grief,  when  multitudes  fall  dying 


ILIAD  I,  243-275 


9 


before  manslaying  Hector.  Then  shalt  thou  tear  thy  heart 
within  thee  for  anger  that  thou  didst  in  no  wise  honour  the 
best  of  the  Achaians.” 

So  said  Feleides  and  dashed  to  earth  the  staff  studded 
with  golden  nails,  and  himself  sat  down  ; and  over  against 
him  Atreides  waxed  furious.  Then  in  their  midst  rose  up 
Nestor,  pleasant  of  speech,  the  clear-voiced  orator  of  the 
Pylians,  he  from  whose  tongue  flowed  discourse  sweeter  than 
honey.  Two  generations  of  mortal  men  already  had  he  seen 
perish,  that  had  been  of  old  time  bom  and  nurtured  with 
him  in  goodly  Pylos,  and  he  was  king  among  the  third  He 
of  good  intent  made  harangue  to  them  and  said  : “ Alas,  of 
a truth  sore  lamentation  cometh  upon  the  land  of  Achaia 
Verily  Priam  would  be  glad  and  Priam’s  sons,  and  all  the 
Trojans  would  have  great  joy  of  heart,  were  they  to  hear 
all  this  tale  of  strife  between  you  twain  that  are  chiefest 
of  the  Danaans  in  counsel  and  chiefest  in  battle.  Nay, 
hearken  to  me  ; ye  are  younger  both  than  I.  Of  old  days 
held  I converse  with  better  men  even  than  you,  and  never 
did  they  make  light  of  me.  Yea,  I never  beheld  such 
warriors,  nor  shall  behold,  as  were  Peirithoos  and  Dryas 
shepherd  of  the  host  and  Kaineus  and  Exadios  and  godlike 
Polyphemos  [and  Theseus  son  of  Aigeus,  like  to  the  immortals]. 
Mightiest  of  growth  were  they  of  all  men  upon  the  earth ; 
mightiest  they  were  and  with  the  mightiest  fought  they, 
even  the  wild  tribes  of  the  mountain  caves,  and  destroyed 
them  utterly.  And  with  these  held  I converse,  being  come 
from  Pylos,  from  a distant  land  afar ; for  of  themselves  they 
summoned  me.  So  I played  my  part  in  fight ; and  with 
them  could  none  of  men  that  are  now  on  earth  do  battle. 
And  they  laid  to  heart  my  counsels  and  hearkened  to  my 
voice.  Even  so  hearken  ye  also,  for  better  is  it  to  hearken. 
Neither  do  thou,  though  thou  art  very  great,  seize  from  him 


IO 


ILIAD  I,  275-306 


his  damsel,  but  leave  her  as  she  was  given  at  the  hist  by  the 
sons  of  the  Achaians  to  be  a meed  of  honour ; nor  do  thou, 
son  of  Peleus,  think  to  strive  with  a king,  might  against  might ; 
seeing  that  no  common  honour  pertaineth  to  a sceptred 
king  to  whom  Zeus  apportioneth  glory.  Though  thou  be 
strong,  and  a goddess  mother  bare  thee,  yet  his  is  the 
greater  place,  for  he  is  king  over  more.  And  thou,  Atreides, 
abate  thy  fury ; nay,  it  is  even  I that  beseech  thee  to  let  go 
thine  anger  with  Achilles,  who  is  made  unto  all  the  Achaians 
a mighty  bulwark  of  evil  war.” 

Then  lord  Agamemnon  answered  and  said  : “Yea 
verily,  old  man,  all  this  thou  sayest  is  according  unto  right. 
But  this  fellow  would  be  above  all  others,  he  would  be  lord 
of  all  and  king  among  all  and  captain  to  all ; wherein  I deem 
none  will  hearken  to  him.  Though  the  immortal  gods  made 
him  a spearman,  do  they  therefore  put  revilings  in  his  mouth 
for  him  to  utter?” 

Then  goodly  Achilles  brake  in  on  him  and  answered  : 
“ Yea,  for  I should  be  called  coward  and  man  of  naught,  if 
I yield  to  thee  in  every  matter,  howsoe’er  thou  bid.  To 
others  give  now  thine  orders,  not  to  me  [play  master;  for 
thee  I deem  that  I shall  no  more  obey].  This,  more- 
over, will  I say  to  thee,  and  do  thou  lay  it  to  thy  heart 
Know  that  not  by  violence  will  I strive  for  the  damsel’s 
sake,  neither  with  thee  nor  any  other ; ye  gave  and  ye 
have  taken  away.  But  of  all  else  that  is  mine  beside  my 
fleet  black  ship,  thereof  shalt  thou  not  take  anything  or 
bear  it  away  against  my  wilL  Yea,  go  to  now,  make  trial, 
that  all  these  may  see  ; forthwith  thy  dark  blood  shall  gush 
about  my  spear,” 

Now  when  the  twain  had  thus  finished  the  battle  oi 
violent  words,  they  stood  up  and  dissolved  the  assembly 
beside  the  Achaian  ships.  Peleides  went  his  way  to  his  huts 


ILIAD  I,  306-339 


1 1 


and  trim  ships  with  Menoitios’  son1  and  his  company;  and 
Atreides  launched  a fleet  ship  on  the  sea,  and  picked  twenty 
oarsmen  therefor,  and  embarked  the  hecatomb  for  the  god, 
and  brought  Chryseis  of  the  fair  cheeks  and  set  her  therein  ; 
and  Odysseus  of  many  devices  went  to  be  their  captain. 

So  these  embarked  and  sailed  over  the  wet  ways;  and 
Atreides  bade  the  folk  purify  themselves.  So  they  purified 
themselves,  and  cast  the  defilements  into  the  sea  and  did 
sacrifice  to  Apollo,  even  unblemished  hecatombs  of  bulls  and 
goats,  along  the  shore  of  the  unvintaged  sea  ; and  the  sweet 
savour  arose  to  heaven  eddying  amid  the  smoke. 

Thus  were  they  busied  throughout  the  host ; but  Aga- 
memnon ceased  not  from  the  strife  wherewith  he  threatened 
Achilles  at  the  first;  he  spake  to  Talthybios  and  Eurybates 
that  were  his  heralds  and  nimble  squires : “ Go  ye  to  the 
tent  of  Achilles  Peleus’  son,  and  take  Briseis  of  the  fair 
cheeks  by  the  hand  and  lead  her  hither ; and  if  he  give  her 
not,  then  will  I myself  go,  and  more  with  me,  and  seize  her ; 
and  that  will  be  yet  more  grievous  for  him.” 

So  saying  he  sent  them  forth,  and  laid  stern  charge  upon 
them.  Unwillingly  went  they  along  the  beach  of  the  un- 
vintaged sea,  and  came  to  the  huts  and  ships  of  the  Myr- 
midons. Him  found  they  sitting  beside  his  hut  and  black 
ship  ; nor  when  he  saw  them  was  Achilles  glad.  So  they  in 
dread  and  reverence  of  the  king  stood,  and  spake  to  him  no 
word,  nor  questioned  him.  But  he  knew  in  his  heart,  and 
spake  to  them : “ All  hail,  ye  heralds,  messengers  of  Zeus 
and  men,  come  near ; ye  are  not  guilty  in  my  sight,  but 
Agamemnon  that  sent  you  for  the  sake  of  the  damsei  Briseis. 
Go  now,  heaven-sprung  Patroklos,  bring  forth  the  damsel, 
and  give  them  her  to  lead  away.  Moreover,  let  the  twain 
themselves  be  my  witnesses  before  the  face  of  the  blessed 


1 Patroklos. 


12 


ILIAD  I,  339-367 


gods  and  mortal  men,  yea  and  of  him,  that  king  untoward, 
against  the  day  when  there  cometh  need  of  me  hereafter  to 
save  them  all  from  shameful  wreck.  Of  a truth  he  raveth 
with  baleful  mind,  and  hath  not  knowledge  to  look  before 
and  after,  that  so  his  Achaians  might  battle  in  safety  beside 
their  ships.” 

So  said  he,  and  Patroklos  hearkened  to  his  dear  com- 
rade, and  led  forth  from  the  hut  Briseis  of  the  fair  cheeks, 
and  gave  them  her  to  lead  away.  So  these  twain  took  their 
way  back  along  the  Achaians’  ships,  and  with  them  went  the 
woman  all  unwilling.  Then  Achilles  wept  anon,  and  sat  him 
down  apart,  aloof  from  his  comrades  on  the  beach  of  the 
grey  sea,  gazing  across  the  boundless  main ; he  stretched 
forth  his  hands  and  prayed  instantly  to  his  dear  mother : 
“ Mother,  seeing  thou  didst  of  a truth  bear  me  to  so  brie! 
span  of  life,  honour  at  the  least  ought  the  Olympian  to 
have  granted  me,  even  Zeus  that  thundereth  on  high ; but 
now  doth  he  not  honour  me,  no,  not  one  whit  Verily 
Atreus’  son,  wide-ruling  Agamemnon,  hath  done  me  dis- 
honour ; for  he  hath  taken  away  my  meed  of  honour  and 
keepeth  her  of  his  own  violent  deed.” 

So  spake  he  weeping,  and  his  lady  mother  heard  him 
as  she  sate  in  the  sea-depths  beside  her  aged  sire.  With 
speed  arose  she  from  the  grey  sea,  like  a mist,  and  sate  her 
before  the  face  of  her  weeping  son,  and  stroked  him  with  her 
hand,  and  spake  and  called  on  his  name : “ My  child,  why 
weepest  thou  ? What  sorrow  hath  entered  into  thy  heart  ? 
Speak  it  forth,  hide  it  not  in  thy  mind,  that  both  may 
know  it” 

Then  with  heavy  moan  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  spake  to 
her : “ Thou  knowest  it ; why  should  I tell  this  to  thee  that 
knowest  all ! We  had  fared  to  Thebe,  the  holy  city  o< 
Eetion,  and  laid  it  waste  and  carried  hither  all  the  spoils, 


ILIAD  I,  368-399 


13 


So  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  divided  among  them  all  aright ; 
and  for  Atreides  they  set  apart  Chryseis  of  the  fair  cheeks. 
But  Chryses,  priest  of  Apollo  the  Far-darter,  came  unto  the 
fleet  ships  of  the  mail-clad  Achaians  to  win  his  daughter’s 
freedom,  and  brought  a ransom  beyond  telling,  and  bare  in 
his  hands  the  fillet  of  Apollo  the  Far-darter  upon  a golden 
staff,  and  made  his  prayer  unto  all  the  Achaians,  and  most 
of  all  to  the  two  sons  of  Atreus,  orderers  of  the  host  Then 
all  the  other  Achaians  cried  assent,  to  reverence  the  priest 
and  accept  his  goodly  ransom ; yet  the  thing  pleased  not 
the  heart  of  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus,  but  he  roughly  sent 
him  away  and  laid  stem  charge  upon  him.  So  the  old 
man  went  back  in  anger;  and  Apollo  heard  his  prayers, 
seeing  he  loved  him  greatly,  and  he  aimed  against  the 
Argives  his  deadly  darts.  So  the  people  began  to  perish  in 
multitudes,  and  the  god’s  shafts  ranged  everywhither  through- 
out the  wide  host  of  the  Achaians.  Then  of  full  knowledge 
the  seer  declared  to  us  the  oracle  of  the  Far-darter.  Forth- 
with I first  bade  propitiate  the  god ; but  wrath  gat  hold 
upon  Atreus’  son  thereat,  and  anon  he  stood  up  and  spake 
a threatening  word,  that  hath  now  been  accomplished.  Her 
the  glancing-eyed  Achaians  are  bringing  on  their  fleet  ship  to 
Chryse,  and  bear  with  them  offerings  to  the  king ; and  the 
other  but  now  the  heralds  went  and  took  from  my  hut,  even 
the  daughter  of  Briseus,  whom  the  sons  of  the  Achaians 
gave  me.  Thou  therefore,  if  indeed  thou  canst,  guard  thine 
own 1 son ; betake  thee  to  Olympus  and  beseech  Zeus  by  any 
deed  or  word  whereby  thou  ever  didst  make  glad  his  heart 
For  oft  have  I heard  thee  proclaiming  in  my  father’s  halls 
and  telling  that  thou  alone  amid  the  immortals  didst  save 
the  son  of  Kronos,  lord  of  the  storm-cloud,  from  shameful 
wreck,  when  all  the  other  Olympians  would  have  bound  him, 
1 Heading 


14 


ILIAD  I,  400-430 


even  Hera  and  Poseidon  and  Pallas  Athene.  Then  didst 
thou,  O goddess,  enter  in  and  loose  him  from  his  bonds, 
having  with  speed  summoned  to  high  Olympus  him  of  the 
hundred  arms  whom  gods  call  Briareus,  but  all  men  call 
Aigaion ; for  he  is  mightier  even  than  his  father — so  he  sate 
him  by  Kronion’s  side  rejoicing  in  his  triumph,  and  the  blessed 
gods  feared  him  withal  and  bound  not  Zeus.  This  bring 
thou  to  his  remembrance  and  sit  by  him  and  clasp  his  knees, 
if  perchance  he  will  give  succour  to  the  Trojans ; and  for 
the  Achaians,  hem  them  among  their  ships’  sterns  about  the 
bay,  given  over  to  slaughter ; that  they  may  make  trial  of 
their  king,  and  that  even  Atreides,  wide-ruling  Agamemnon, 
may  perceive  his  blindness,  in  that  he  honoured  not  at  all 
the  best  of  the  Achaians.” 

ThenThetis  weeping  made  answer  to  him  : “ Ah  me,  m} 
child,  why  reared  I thee,  cursed  in  my  motherhood  ? Would 
thou  hadst  been  left  tearless  and  griefless  amid  the  ships, 
seeing  thy  lot  is  very  brief  and  endureth  no  long  while ; but 
now  art  thou  made  short  lived  alike  and  lamentable  beyond 
all  men ; in  an  evil  hour  I bare  thee  in  our  halls.  But 
I will  go  myself  to  snow-clad  Olympus  to  tell  this  thy  saying 
to  Zeus,  whose  joy  is  in  the  thunder,1  if  perchance  he  may 
hearken  to  me.  But  tarry  thou  now  amid  thy  fleet-faring 
ships,  and  continue  wroth  with  the  Achaians,  and  refrain 
utterly  from  battle  : for  Zeus  went  yesterday  to  Okeanos,  unto 
the  noble  Ethiopians  for  a feast,  and  all  the  gods  followed 
with  him ; but  on  the  twelfth  day  will  he  return  to  Olympus, 
and  then  will  I fare  to  Zeus’  palace  of  the  bronze  threshold, 
and  will  kneel  to  him  and  think  to  win  him.” 

So  saying  she  went  her  way  and  left  him  there,  vexed  izu 
spirit  for  the  fair-girdled  woman’s  sake,  whom  they  had  taken 
perforce  despite  his  will : and  meanwhile  Odysseus  came 
1 Perhaps  rather,  “ hurler  of  the  thunderbolt,  ” 


ILIAD  I,  431-462 


15 


to  Chryse  with  the  holy  hecatomb.  When  they  were  non 
entered  within  the  deep  haven,  they  furled  their  sails  and  laid 
them  in  the  black  ship,  and  lowered  the  mast  by  the  forestays 
and  brought  it  to  the  crutch  with  speed,  and  rowed  her  with 
oars  to  the  anchorage.  Then  they  cast  out  the  mooring  stones 
and  made  fast  the  hawsers,  and  so  themselves  went  forth  on  to 
the  sea-beach,  and  forth  they  brought  the  hecatomb  for  the 
Fax-darter  Apollo,  and  forth  came  Chryseis  withal  from  the 
seafaring  ship.  Then  Odysseus  of  many  counsels  brought  her 
to  the  altar  and  gave  her  into  her  father’s  arms,  and  spake 
unto  him  : “ Chryses,  Agamemnon  king  of  men  sent  me 
hither  to  bring  thee  thy  daughter,  and  to  offer  to  Phoebus  a 
holy  hecatomb  on  the  Danaans’  behalf,  wherewith  to  pro- 
pitiate the  king  that  hath  now  brought  sorrow  and  lamenta- 
tion on  the  Argives.” 

So  saying  he  gave  her  to  his  arms,  and  he  gladly  took 
his  dear  child ; and  anon  they  set  in  order  for  the  god  the 
holy  hecatomb  about  his  well-builded  altar;  next  washed 
they  their  hands  and  took  up  the  barley  meal  Then 
Chryses  lifted  up  his  hands  and  prayed  aloud  for  them  : 
“ Hearken  to  me,  god  of  the  silver  bow  that  standest  over 
Chryse  and  holy  Killa,  and  rulest  Tenedos  with  might ; even 
as  erst  thou  heardest  my  prayer,  and  didst  me  honour,  and 
mightily  afflictedst  the  people  of  the  Achaians,  even  so  now 
fulfil  me  this  my  desire : remove  thou  from  the  Danaans 
forthwith  the  loathly  pestilence.” 

So  spake  he  in  prayer,  and  Phoebus  Apollo  heard  him. 
Now  when  they  had  prayed  and  sprinkled  the  barley  meal, 
first  they  drew  back  the  victims’  heads  and  slaughtered 
them  and  flayed  them,  and  cut  slices  from  the  thighs  and 
wrapped  them  in  fat,  making  a double  fold,  and  laid  raw 
collops  thereon,  and  the  old  man  burnt  them  on  cleft  wood 
and  ’made  libation  over  them  of  gleaming  wine  ; and  at  his 


i6 


ILIAD  I,  463-494 


side  the  young  men  in  their  hands  held  five-pronged  forks. 
Now  when  the  thighs  were  burnt  and  they  had  tasted  the 
vitals,  then  sliced  they  all  the  rest  and  pierced  it  through 
with  spits,  and  roasted  it  carefully,  and  drew  all  off  again. 
So  when  they  had  rest  from  the  task  and  had  made  ready 
the  banquet,  they  feasted,  nor  was  their  heart  aught  stinted 
of  the  fair  banquet  But  when  they  had  put  away  from 
them  the  desire  of  meat  and  drink,  the  young  men  crowned 
the  bowls  with  wine,  and  gave  each  man  his  portion  after  the 
drink-offering  had  been  poured  into  the  cups.  So  all  day 
long  worshipped  they  the  god  with  music,  singing  the  beau- 
tiful paean,  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  making  music  to  the 
Far-darter1 ; and  his  heart  was  glad  to  hear.  And  when  the 
sun  went  down  and  darkness  came  on  them,  they  laid  them 
to  sleep  beside  the  ship’s  hawsers ; and  when  rosy-fingered 
Dawn  appeared,  the  child  of  morning,  then  set  they  sail  for 
the  wide  camp  of  the  Achaians ; and  Apollo  the  Far-darter 
sent  them  a favouring  gale.  They  set  up  their  mast  and 
spread  the  white  sails  forth,  and  the  wind  filled  the  sail’s 
belly  and  the  dark  wave  sang  loud  about  the  stem  as  the 
ship  made  way,  and  she  sped  across  the  wave,  accomplishing 
her  journey.  So  when  they  were  now  come  to  the  wide  camp 
of  the  Achaians,  they  drew  up  their  black  ship  to  land  high 
upon  the  sands,  and  set  in  line  the  long  props  beneath  her  ; 
and  themselves  were  scattered  amid  their  huts  and  ships. 

But  he  sat  by  his  swift-faring  ships,  still  wroth,  even  the 
heaven-sprung  son  of  Peleus,  Achilles  fleet  of  foot;  he 
betook  him  neither  to  the  assembly  that  is  the  hero's  glory, 
neither  to  war,  but  consumed  his  heart  in  tarrying  in  his 
place,  and  yearned  for  the  war-cry  and  for  battle. 

Now  when  the  twelfth  mom  thereafter  was  come,  then 
the  gods  that  are  for  ever  fared  to  Olympus  all  in  company; 

1 Or,  “ the  Averter  ” (of  pestilence). 


ILIAD  I,  495-525 


17 


led  of  Zeus.  And  Thetis  forgat  not  her  son’s  charge,  but 
rose  up  from  the  sea-wave,  and  at  early  morn  mounted  up 
to  great  heaven  and  Olympus.  There  found  she  Kronos’ 
son  of  the  far-sounding  voice  sitting  apart  from  all  on  the 
topmost  peak  of  many-ridged  Olympus.  So  she  sat  before 
his  face  and  with  her  left  hand  clasped  his  knees,  and  with 
her  right  touched  him  beneath  his  chin,  and  spake  in 
prayer  to  king  Zeus  son  of  Kronos  : “ Father  Zeus,  if  ever 
I gave  thee  aid  amid  the  immortal  gods,  whether  by  word  or 
deed,  fulfil  thou  this  my  desire : do  honour  to  my  son,  that 
is  doomed  to  earliest  death  of  all  men  : now  hath  Aga- 
memnon king  of  men  done  him  dishonour,  for  he  hath 
taken  away  his  meed  of  honour  and  keepeth  her  of  his  own 
violent  deed.  But  honour  thou  him,  Zeus  of  Olympus,  lord 
of  counsel ; grant  thou  victory  to  the  Trojans  the  while, 
until  the  Achaians  do  my  son  honour  and  exalt  him  with 
recompense.” 

So  spake  she ; but  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  said  no 
word  to  her,  and  sat  long  time  in  silence.  But  even  as 
Thetis  had  clasped  his  knees,  so  held  she  by  him  clinging, 
and  questioned  him  yet  a second  time  : “ Promise  me  now 
this  thing  verily,  and  bow  thy  head  thereto  ; or  else  deny  me, 
seeing  there  is  naught  for  thee  to  fear ; that  I may  know 
full  well  how  I among  all  gods  am  least  in  honour.” 

Then  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer,  sore  troubled,  spake  to 
her : “ Verily  it  is  a sorry  matter,  if  thou  wilt  set  me  at  vari- 
ance with  Hera,  whene’er  she  provoketh  me  with  taunting 
words.  Even  now  she  upbraideth  me  ever  amid  the  immortal 
gods,  and  saith  that  I aid  the  Trojans  in  battle.  But  do 
thou  now  depart  again,  lest  Hera  mark  aught ; and  I will  take 
thought  for  these  things  to  fulfil  them.  Come  now,  I will 
bow  my  head  to  thee,  that  thou  mayest  be  of  good  courage  ; 
for  that,  of  my  part,  is  the  surest  token  amid  the  immortals  ; 

c 


ILIAD  I,  526-556 


no  word  of  mine  is  revocable  nor  false  nor  unfulfilled  when 
the  bowing  of  my  head  hath  pledged  it.” 

Kronion  spake,  and  bowed  his  dark  brow,  and  the 
ambrosial  locks  waved  from  the  king’s  immortal  head ; and 
he  made  great  Olympus  quake. 

Thus  the  twain  took  counsel  and  parted ; she  leapt 
therewith  into  the  deep  sea  from  glittering  Olympus,  and 
Zeus  fared  to  his  own  palace.  All  the  gods  in  company  arose 
from  their  seats  before  their  father’s  face  : neither  ventured 
any  to  await  his  coming,  but  they  stood  up  all  before  him. 
So  he  sate  him  there  upon  his  throne ; but  Hera  saw,  and 
was  not  ignorant  how  that  the  daughter  of  the  Ancient  of  the 
sea,  Thetis  the  silver-footed,  had  devised  counsel  with  him. 
Anon  with  taunting  words  spake  she  to  Zeus  the  son 
of  Kronos : “ Now  who  among  the  gods,  thou  crafty  of 
mind,  hath  devised  counsel  with  thee  ? It  is  ever  thy  good 
pleasure  to  hold  aloof  from  me  and  in  secret  meditation  to 
give  thy  judgments,  nor  of  thine  own  good  will  hast  thou 
ever  brought  thyself  to  declare  unto  me  the  thing  thou 
purposest.” 

Then  the  father  of  gods  and  men  made  answer  to  her: 
“ Hera,  think  not  thou  to  know  all  my  sayings ; hard  they 
are  for  thee,  even  though  thou  art  my  wife.  But  whichsoever 
it  is  seemly  for  thee  to  hear,  none  sooner  than  thou  shall 
know,  be  he  god  or  man.  Only  when  I will  to  take  thought 
aloof  from  the  gods,  then  do  not  thou  ask  of  every  matter 
nor  make  question.” 

Then  Hera  the  ox-eyed  queen  made  answer  to  him  . 
“ Most  dread  son  of  Kronos,  what  word  is  this  thou  hast 
spoken?  Yea,  surely  of  old  I have  not  asked  thee  nor 
made  question,  but  in  very  quietness  thou  devisest  all  thou 
wilt  But  now  is  my  heart  sore  afraid  lest  thou  have  been 
won  over  by  silver-footed  Thetis,  daughter  of  the  Ancient  of 


ILIAD  I,  557-588 


19 


the  sea,  for  she  at  early  morn  sat  by  thee  and  clasped  thy 
knees.  To  her  I deem  thou  gavest  a sure  pledge  that  thou 
wilt  do  honour  to  Achilles,  and  lay  many  low  beside  the 
Achaians’  ships.” 

To  her  made  answer  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  : “ Lady, 
Good  lack  ! ever  art  thou  imagining,  nor  can  I escape  thee; 
yet  shalt  thou  in  no  wise  have  power  to  fulfil,  but  wilt  be  the 
further  from  my  heart ; that  shall  be  even  the  worse  for  thee. 
And  if  it  be  so,  then  such  must  my  good  pleasure  be.  Abide 
thou  in  silence  and  hearken  to  my  bidding,  lest  all  the  gods 
that  are  in  Olympus  keep  not  off  from  thee  my  visitation, 
when  I put  forth  my  hands  unapproachable  against  thee.” 

He  said,  and  Hera  the  ox-eyed  queen  was  afraid,  and 
sat  in  silence,  curbing  her  heart ; but  throughout  Zeus’ 
palace  the  gods  of  heaven  were  troubled.  Then  Hephais- 
tos  the  famed  craftsman  began  to  make  harangue  among 
them,  to  do  kindness  to  his  dear  mother,  white-armed 
Hera:  “Verily  this  will  be  a sorry  matter,  neither  any  more 
endurable,  if  ye  twain  thus  fight  for  mortals’  sakes,  and  bring 
wrangling  among  the  gods ; neither  will  there  any  more  be 
joy  of  the  goodly  feast,  seeing  that  evil  triumpheth.  So  I 
give  counsel  to  my  mother,  though  herself  is  wise,  to  do 
kindness  to  our  dear  father  Zeus,  that  our  father  upbraid  us 
not  again  and  cast  the  banquet  in  confusion.  What  if  the 
Olympian,  the  lord  of  the  lightning,  will  to  dash  us  from  our 
seats  ! for  he  is  strongest  far.  Nay,  approach  thou  him  with 
gentle  words,  then  will  the  Olympian  forthwith  be  gracious 
unto  us.” 

So  speaking  he  rose  up  and  set  in  his  dear  mother’s  hand 
the  twy-handled  cup,  and  spake  to  her:  “Be  of  good  courage, 
mother  mine,  and  endure,  though  thou  art  vexed,  lest  I be- 
hold thee,  that  art  so  dear,  chastised  before  mine  eyes,  and 
then  shall  I not  be  able  for  all  my  sorrow  to  save  thee ; for 


20 


ILIAD  I,  589-611 


the  Olympian  is  a hard  foe  to  face.  Yea,  once  ere  this, 
when  I was  fain  to  save  thee,  he  caught  me  by  my  foot  and 
hurled  me  from  the  heavenly  threshold ; all  day  I flew,  and 
at  the  set  of  sun  I fell  in  Lemnos,  and  little  life  was  in  me. 
There  did  the  Sintian  folk  forthwith  tend  me  for  my  fall.” 

He  spake,  and  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera  smiled,  and 
smiling  took  the  cup  at  her  son’s  hand.  Then  he  poured 
wine  to  all  the  other  gods  from  right  to  left,  ladling  the 
sweet  nectar  from  the  bowl.  And  laughter  unquenchable 
arose  amid  the  blessed  gods  to  see  Hephaistos  bustling 
through  the  palace. 

So  feasted  they  all  day  till  the  setting  of  the  sun ; nor 
was  their  soul  aught  stinted  of  the  fair  banquet,  nor  of  the 
beauteous  lyre  that  Apollo  held,  and  the  Muses  singing 
alternately  with  sweet  voice. 

Now  when  the  bright  light  of  the  sun  was  set,  these  went 
each  to  his  own  house  to  sleep,  where  each  one  had  his 
palace  made  with  cunning  device  by  famed  Hephaistos  the 
lame  god ; and  Zeus  the  Olympian,  the  lord  of  lightning, 
departed  to  his  couch  where  he  was  wont  of  old  to  take  his 
rest,  whenever  sweet  sleep  visited  him.  There  went  he  up 
and  slept,  and  beside  him  was  Hera  of  the  golden  throne. 


BOOK  II. 


How  Zeus  beguiled  Agamemnon  by  a dream  ; and  of  the  assembly  ol 
the  Achaians  and  their  marching  forth  to  battle.  And  of  the 
names  and  numbers  of  the  hosts  of  the  Achaians  and  the  Trojans. 

Now  all  other  gods  and  chariot-driving  men  slept  all  night 
long,  only  Zeus  was  not  holden  of  sweet  sleep  ; rather  was  he 
pondering  in  his  heart  how  he  should  do  honour  to  Achilles 
and  destroy  many  beside  the  Achaians’  ships.  And  this 
design  seemed  to  his  mind  the  best,  to  wit,  to  send  a bane- 
ful dream  upon  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus.  So  he  spake, 
and  uttered  to  him  winged  words  : “ Come  now,  thou  bane- 
ful Dream,  go  to  the  Achaians’  fleet  ships,  enter  into  the  hut 
of  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus,  and  tell  him  every  word 
plainly  as  I charge  thee.  Bid  him  call  to  arms  the  flowing- 
haired Achaians  with  all  speed,  for  that  now  he  may  take 
the  wide-wayed  city  of  the  Trojans.  For  the  immortals  that 
dwell  in  the  halls  of  Olympus  are  no  longer  divided  in 
counsel,  since  Hera  hath  turned  the  minds  of  all  by  her 
beseeching,  and  over  the  Trojans  sorrows  hang.” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  Dream  went  his  way  when  he  had 
heard  the  charge.  With  speed  he  came  to  the  Achaians’ 
fleet  ships,  and  went  to  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus,  and 
found  him  sleeping  in  his  hut,  and  ambrosial  slumber  poured 
over  him.  So  he  stood  over  his  head  in  seeming  like  unto 
the  son  of  Neleus.  even  Nestor,  whom  most  of  all  the  elders 


2 2 ILIAD  II,  2 1-SI 

Agamemnon  honoured ; in  his  likeness  spake  to  him  the 
heavenly  Dream : 

“Sleepest  thou,  son  of  wise  Atreus  tamer  of  horses! 
To  sleep  all  night  through  beseemeth  not  one  that  is  a coun- 
sellor, to  whom  peoples  are  entrusted  and  so  many  cares 
belong.  But  now  hearken  straightway  to  me,  for  I am  a 
messenger  to  thee  from  Zeus,  who  though  he  be  afar  yet 
hath  great  care  for  thee  and  pity.  He  biddeth  thee  call  to 
arms  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  with  all  speed,  for  that 
now  thou  mayest  take  the  wide-wayed  city  of  the  Trojans. 
For  the  immortals  that  dwell  in  the  halls  of  Olympus  are 
no  longer  divided  in  counsel,  since  Hera  hath  turned  the 
minds  of  all  by  her  beseeching,  and  over  the  Trojans  sorrows 
hang  by  the  will  of  Zeus.  But  do  thou  keep  this  in  thy 
heart,  nor  let  forgetfulness  come  upon  thee  when  honeyed 
sleep  shall  leave  thee.” 

So  spake  the  Dream,  and  departed  and  left  him  there, 
deeming  in  his  mind  things  that  were  not  to  be  fulfilled. 
For  indeed  he  thought  to  take  Priam’s  city  that  very  day ; 
fond  man,  in  that  he  knew  not  the  plans  that  Zeus  had  in 
mind,  who  was  willed  to  bring  yet  more  grief  and  wailing 
on  Trojans  alike  and  Danaans  throughout  the  course  of 
stubborn  fights.  Then  woke  he  from  sleep,  and  the 
heavenly  voice  was  in  his  ears,  So  he  rose  up  sitting,  and 
donned  his  soft  tunic,  fair  and  bright,  and  cast  around 
him  his  great  cloak,  and  beneath  his  glistering  feet  be 
bound  his  fair  sandais,  and  over  his  shoulder  cast  his  silver- 
studded  sword,  and  grasped  his  sires’  sceptre,  imperishable 
for  ever,  wherewith  he  took  his  way  amid  the  mail-clad 
Achaians’  ships. 

Now  went  the  goddess  Dawn  to  high  Olympus,  foretelling 
daylight  to  Zeus  and  all  the  immortals ; and  the  king  bade 
the  clear-voiced  heralds  summon  to  the  assembly  the  flow- 


ILIAD  II,  52-82  23 

ing-  haired  Achaians.  So  did  those  summon,  and  these 
gathered  with  speed 

But  first  the  council  of  the  great-hearted  elders  met 
beside  the  ship  of  king  Nestor  the  Pylos-born.  And  he 
that  had  assembled  them  framed  his  cunning  counsel  : 
“ Hearken,  my  friends.  A dream  from  heaven  came  to  me 
in  my  sleep  through  the  ambrosial  night,  and  chiefly  to 
goodly  Nestor  was  very  like  in  shape  and  bulk  and  stature. 
And  it  stood  over  my  head  and  charged  me  saying  : 
‘Sleepest  thou,  son  of  wise  Atreus  tamer  of  horses?  To 
sleep  all  night  through  beseemeth  not  one  that  is  a coun- 
sellor, to  whom  peoples  are  entrusted  and  so  many  cares 
belong.  But  now  hearken  straightway  to  me,  for  I am  a 
messenger  to  thee  from  Zeus,  who  though  he  be  afar  yet 
hath  great  care  for  thee  and  pity.  He  biddeth  thee  call  to 
arms  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  with  all  speed,  for  that  now 
thou  mayest  take  the  wide-wayed  city  of  the  Trojans.  For 
the  immortals  that  dwell  in  the  palaces  of  Olympus  are  no 
longer  divided  in  counsel,  since  Hera  hath  turned  the  minds 
of  all  by  her  beseeching,  and  over  the  Trojans  sorrows  hang 
by  the  will  of  Zeus.  But  keep  thou  this  in  thy  heart.’  So 
spake  the  dream  and  was  flown  away,  and  sweet  sleep  left 
me.  So  come,  let  us  now  call  to  arms  as  we  may  the  sons 
of  the  Achaians.  But  first  I will  speak  to  make  trial  of 
them  as  is  fitting,  and  will  bid  them  flee  with  their  benched 
ships  ; only  do  ye  from  this  side  and  from  that  speak  to 
hold  them  back.  ” 

So  spake  he  and  sate  him  down  ; and  there  stood  up 
among  them  Nestor,  who  was  king  of  sandy  Pylos.  He  of 
good  intent  made  harangue  to  them  and  said  : “ My  friends, 
captains  and  rulers  of  the  Argives,  had  any  other  of  the 
Achaians  told  us  this  dream  we  might  deem  it  a false  thing, 
, and  rather  turn  away  therefrom  ; but  now  he  hath  seen  if 


24 


ILIAD  II,  82-112 


who  of  all  Achaians  avoweth  himself  far  greatest  So  come, 
let  us  call  to  arms  as  we  may  the  sons  of  the  Achaians.” 

So  spake  he,  and  led  the  way  forth  from  the  council,  and 
all  the  other  sceptred  chiefs  rose  with  him  and  obeyed  the 
shepherd  of  the  host;  and  the  people  hastened  to  them. 
Even  as  when  the  tribes  of  thronging  bees  issue  from  some 
hollow  rock,  ever  in  fresh  procession,  and  fly  clustering 
among  the  flowers  of  spring,  and  some  on  this  hand  and 
some  on  that  fly  thick ; even  so  from  ships  and  huts  before 
the  low  beach  marched  forth  their  many  tribes  by  companies 
to  the  place  of  assembly.  And  in  their  midst  blazed  forth 
Rumour,  messenger  of  Zeus,  urging  them  to  go  ; and  so  they 
gathered.  And  the  place  of  assemblage  was  in  an  uproar, 
and  the  earth  echoed  again  as  the  hosts  sate  them  down, 
and  there  was  turmoil.  Nine  heralds  restrained  them  with 
shouting,  if  perchance  they  might  refrain  from  clamour, 
and  hearken  to  their  kings,  the  fosterlings  of  Zeus.  And 
hardly  at  the  last  would  the  people  sit,  and  keep  them 
to  their  benches  and  cease  from  noise.  Then  stood  up 
lord  Agamemnon  bearing  his  sceptre,  that  Hephaistos  had 
wrought  curiously.  Hephaistos  gave  it  to  king  Zeus  son  of 
Kronos,  and  then  Zeus  gave  it  to  the  messenger-god  the 
slayer  of  Argus1;  and  king  Hermes  gave  it  to  Pelops  the 
charioteer,  and  Pelops  again  gave  it  to  Atreus  shepherd  of 
the  host  And  Atreus  dying  left  it  to  Thyestes  rich  in 
flocks,  and  Thyestes  in  his  turn  left  it  to  Agamemnon  to 
bear,  that  over  many  islands  and  all  Argos  he  should  be 
lord.  Thereon  he  leaned  and  spake  his  saying  to  the 
Argives : 

“ My  friends,  Danaan  warriors,  men  of  Ares’  company, 
Zeus  Kronos’  son  hath  bound  me  with  might  in  grievous 
blindness  of  soul ; hard  of  heart  is  he,  for  that  erewhile  he 

1 Or,  possibly,  “ the  swift-appearing.” 


ILIAD  II,  1 1 2-147 


25 


promised  me  and  pledged  his  nod  that  not  till  I had  wasted 
well-walled  Ilios  should  I return ; but  now  see  I that  he 
planned  a cruel  wile  and  biddeth  me  return  to  Argos 
dishonoured,  with  the  loss  of  many  of  my  folk.  So  meseems 
it  pleaseth  most  mighty  Zeus,  who  hath  laid  low  the  head  of 
many  a city,  yea,  and  shall  lay  low ; for  his  is  highest  power. 
Shame  is  this  even  for  them  that  come  after  to  hear;  how  so 
goodly  and  great  a folk  of  the  Achaians  thus  vainly  warred 
a bootless  war,  and  fought  scantier  enemies,  and  no  end 
thereof  is  yet  seen.  For  if  perchance  we  were  minded,  both 
Achaians  and  Trojans,  to  swear  a solemn  truce,  and  to 
number  ourselves,  and  if  the  Trojans  should  gather  together 
all  that  have  their  dwellings  in  the  city,  and  we  Achaians 
should  marshal  ourselves  by  tens,  and  every  company  choose 
a Trojan  to  pour  their  wine,  then  would  many  tens  lack  a 
cup-bearer  : so  much,  I say,  do  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  out- 
number the  Trojans  that  dwell  within  the  city.  But  allies 
from  many  cities,  even  warriors  that  wield  the  spear,  are 
therein,  and  they  hinder  me  perforce,  and  for  all  my  will 
suffer  me  not  to  waste  the  populous  citadel  of  Ilios. 
Already  have  nine  years  of  great  ZeUs  passed  away,  and  our 
ships’  timbers  have  rotted  and  the  tackling  is  loosed ; while 
there  our  wives  and  little  children  sit  in  our  halls  awaiting 
us  ; yet  is  our  task  utterly  unaccomplished  wherefor  we  came 
hither.  So  come,  even  as  I shall  bid  let  us  all  obey.  Let 
us  flee  with  our  ships  to  our  dear  native  land ; for  now  shall 
we  never  take  wide-wayed  Troy.” 

So  spake  he,  and  stirred  the  spirit  in  the  breasts  of  all 
throughout  the  multitude,  as  many  as  had  not  heard  the 
council.  And  the  assembly  swayed  like  high  sea-waves  of 
the  Icarian  Main  that  east  wind  and  south  wind  raise,  rush- 
ing upon  them  from  the  clouds  of  father  Zeus ; and  even  as 
when  the  west  wind  cometh  to  stir  a deep  cornfield  with 


26 


ILIAD  II,  148-180 


violent  blast,  and  the  ears  bow  down,  so  was  all  the  assembly 
stirred,  and  they  with  shouting  hasted  toward  the  ships  ; and 
the  dust  from  beneath  their  feet  rose  and  stood  on  high. 
And  they  bade  each  man  his  neighbour  to  seize  the  ships 
and  drag  them  into  the  bright  salt  sea,  and  cleared  out  the 
launching-ways,  and  the  noise  went  up  to  heaven  of  their 
hurrying  homewards  ; and  they  began  to  take  the  props  from 
beneath  the  ships. 

Then  would  the  Argives  have  accomplished  their  return 
against  the  will  of  fate,  but  that  Hera  spake  a word  to 
Athene : “ Out  on  it,  daughter  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  un- 
wearied maiden  ! Shall  the  Argives  thus  indeed  flee  home- 
ward to  their  dear  native  land  over  the  sea’s  broad  back  ? 
But  they  would  leave  to  Priam  and  the  Trojans  their  boast, 
even  Helen  of  Argos,  for  whose  sake  many  an  Achaian  hath 
perished  in  Troy,  far  away  from  his  dear  native  land.  But 
go  thou  now  amid  the  host  of  the  mail-clad  Achaians ; with 
thy  gentle  words  refrain  thou  every  man,  neither  suffer  them 
to  draw  their  curved  ships  down  to  the  salt  sea.” 

So  spake  she,  and  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene  dis- 
regarded not ; but  went  darting  down  from  the  peaks  of 
Olympus,  and  came  with  speed  to  the  fleet  ships  of  the 
Achaians.  There  found  she  Odysseus  standing,  peer  of  Zeus 
in  counsel,  neither  laid  he  any  hand  upon  his  decked  black 
ship,  because  grief  had  entered  into  his  heart  and  souL  And 
bright -eyed  Athene  stood  by  him  and  said  : “ Heaven- 
sprung  son  of  Laertes,  Odysseus  of  many  devices,  will  ye 
indeed  fling  yourselves  upon  your  benched  ships  to  flee 
homeward  to  your  dear  native  land  ? But  ye  would  leave 
to  Priam  and  the  Trojans  their  boast,  even  Helen  of  Argos, 
for  whose  sake  many  an  Achaian  hath  perished  in  Troy,  far 
from  his  dear  native  land.  But  go  thou  now  amid  the  host 
of  the  Achaians,  and  tarry  not ; and  with  thy  gentle  words 


ILIAD  II,  1 81-208 


27 


refrain  every  man,  neither  suffer  them  to  draw  their  curved 
ships  down  to  the  salt  sea.” 

So  said  she,  and  he  knew  the  voice  of  the  goddess  speak- 
ing to  him,  and  set  him  to  run,  and  cast  away  his  mantle, 
the  which  his  herald  gathered  up,  even  Eurybates  of  Ithaca, 
that  waited  on  him.  And  himself  he  went  to  meet  Aga- 
memnon son  of  Atreus,  and  at  his  hand  received  the 
sceptre  of  his  sires,  imperishable  for  ever,  wherewith  he  took 
his  way  amid  the  ships  of  the  mail-clad  Achaians. 

Whenever  he  found  one  that  was  a captain  and  a man  ol 
mark,  he  stood  by  his  side,  and  refrained  him  with  gentle 
words  : “ Good  sir,  it  is  not  seemly  to  affright  thee  like  a 
coward,  but  do  thou  sit  thyself  and  make  all  thy  folk  sit 
down.  For  thou  knowest  not  yet  clearly  what  is  the  purpose 
of  Atreus’  son  ; now  is  he  but  making  trial,  and  soon  he 
will  afflict  the  sons  of  the  Achaians.  And  heard  we  not  all 
of  us  what  he  spake  in  the  council?  Beware  lest  in  his 
anger  he  evilly  entreat  the  sons  of  the  Achaians.  For  proud 
is  the  soul  of  heaven-fostered  kings  ; because  their  honour  is 
of  Zeus,  and  the  god  of  counsel  loveth  them.”1 

But  whatever  man  of  the  people  he  saw  and  found  him 
shouting,  him  he  drave  with  his  sceptre  and  chode  him 
with  loud  words  : “ Good  sir,  sit  still  and  hearken  to  the 
words  of  others  that  are  thy  betters ; but  thou  art  no 
warrior,  and  a weakling,  never  reckoned  whether  in  battle 
or  in  council.  In  no  wise  can  we  Achaians  all  be  kings 
here.  A multitude  of  masters  is  no  good  thing  ; let  there 
be  one  master,  one  king,  to  whom  the  son  of  crooked- 
counselling  Kronos  hath  granted  it,  [even  the  sceptre  and 
judgments,  that  he  may  rale  among  you  ”]. 

So  masterfully  ranged  he  the  host ; and  they  hasted 
back  to  the  assembly  from  ships  and  huts,  with  noise  as 
1 Reading  buorrpt<p(<j»i‘  /3curi\^ur  with  Zenodotos. 


28 


ILIAD  II,  209-240 


when  a wave  of  the  loud-sounding  sea  roareth  on  the  long 
beach  and  the  main  resoundeth. 

Now  all  the  rest  sat  down  and  kept  their  place  upon 
the  benches,  only  Thersites  still  chattered  on,  the  uncon- 
trolled of  speech,  whose  mind  was  full  of  words  many  and 
disorderly,  wherewith  to  strive  against  the  chiefs  idly  and  in 
no  good  order,  but  even  as  he  deemed  that  he  should  make 
the  Argives  laugh.  And  he  was  ill-favoured  beyond  all  men 
that  came  to  Ilios.  Bandy-legged  was  he,  and  lame  of  one 
foot,  and  his  two  shoulders  rounded,  arched  down  upon 
his  chest ; and  over  them  his  head  was  warped,  and  a 
scanty  stubble  sprouted  on  it  Hateful  was  he  to  Achilles 
above  all  and  to  Odysseus,  for  them  he  was  wont  to  revile. 
But  now  with  shrill  shout  he  poured  forth  his  upbraidings 
upon  goodly  Agamemnon.  With  him  the  Achaians  were 
sore  vexed  and  had  indignation  in  their  souls.  But  he  with 
loud  shout  spake  and  reviled  Agamemnon : “ Atreides,  for 
what  art  thou  now  ill  content  and  lacking  ? Surely  thy  huts 
are  full  of  bronze  and  many  women  are  in  thy  huts,  the 
chosen  spoils  that  we  Achaians  give  thee  first  of  all,  when- 
e’er we  take  a town.  Can  it  be  that  thou  yet  wantest  gold 
as  well,  such  as  some  one  of  .the  horse-taming  Trojans  may 
bring  from  Ilios  to  ransom  his  son,  whom  I perchance  or 
some  other  Achaian  have  led  captive ; or  else  some  young 
girl,  to  know  in  love,  whom  thou  mayest  keep  apart  to  thy- 
self? But  it  is  not  seemly  for  one  that  is  their  captain  to 
bring  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  to  ill.  Soft  fools,  base  things 
of  shame,  ye  women  of  Achaia  and  men  no  more,  let  us 
depart  home  with  our  ships,  and  leave  this  fellow  here  in 
Troy-land  to  gorge  him  with  meeds  of  honour,  that  he  may 
see  whether  our  aid  avail  him  aught  or  no  ; even  he  that 
hath  now  done  dishonour  to  Achilles,  a far  better  man  than 
he ; for  he  hath  taken  away  his  meed  of  honour  and  keepeth 


ILIAD  II,  241-272 


29 


it  by  his  own  violent  deed.  Of  a very  surety  is  there  no 
wrath  at  all  in  Achilles’  mind,  but  he  is  slack  ; else  this 
despite,  thou  son  of  Atreus,  were  thy  last” 

So  spake  Thersites,  reviling  Agamemnon  shepherd  of 
the  host.  But  goodly  Odysseus  came  straight  to  his  side, 
and  looking  sternly  at  him  with  hard  words  rebuked  him  : 
“ Thersites,  reckless  in  words,  shrill  orator  though  thou  art, 
refrain  thyself,  nor  aim  to  strive  singly  against  kings.  For  I 
deem  that  no  mortal  is  baser  than  thou  of  all  that  with  the 
sons  of  Atreus  came  before  Ilios.  Therefore  were  it  well  that 
thou  shouldest  not  have  kings  in  thy  mouth  as  thou  talkest, 
and  utter  revilings  against  them  and  be  on  the  watch  for 
departure.  We  know  not  yet  clearly  how  these  things  shall 
be,  whether  we  sons  of  the  Achaians  shall  return  for  good 
or  for  ill.  Therefore  now  dost  thou  revile  continually  Aga- 
memnon son  of  Atreus,  shepherd  of  the  host,  because  the 
Danaan  warriors  give  him  many  gifts,  and  so  thou  talkest 
tauntingly.  But  I will  tell  thee  plain,  and  that  I say  shall 
even  be  brought  to  pass  : if  I find  thee  again  raving  as  now 
thou  art,  then  may  Odysseus’  head  no  longer  abide  upon 
his  shoulders,  nor  may  I any  more  be  called  father  of 
Telemachos,  if  I take  thee  not  and  strip  from  thee  thy 
garments,  thy  mantle  and  tunic  that  cover  thy  nakedness, 
and  for  thyself  send  thee  weeping  to  the  fleet  ships,  and  beat 
thee  out  of  the  assembly  with  shameful  blows.” 

So  spake  he,  and  with  his  staff  smote  his  back  and 
shoulders  : and  he  bowed  down  and  a big  tear  fell  from 
him,  and  a bloody  weal  stood  up  from  his  back  beneath 
the  golden  sceptre.  Then  he  sat  down  and  was  amazed, 
and  in  pain  with  helpless  look  wiped  away  the  tear.  But 
the  rest,  though  they  were  sorry,  laughed  lightly  at  him,  and 
thus  would  one  speak  looking  at  another  standing  by  : “Go 
to,  of  a truth  Odysseus  hath  wrought  good  deeds  without 


3° 


ILIAD  II,  273-304 


number  ere  now,  standing  foremost  in  wise  counsels  and 
setting  battle  in  array,  but  now  is  this  thing  the  best  by  far 
that  he  hath  wrought  among  the  Argives,  to  wit,  that  he  hath 
stayed  this  prating  railer  from  his  harangues.  Never  again, 
forsooth,  will  his  proud  soul  henceforth  bid  him  revile  the 
kings  with  slanderous  words.” 

So  said  the  common  sort ; but  up  rose  Odysseus  waster 
of  cities,  with  the  sceptre  in  his  hand.  And  by  his  side 
bright-eyed  Athene  in  the  likeness  of  a herald  bade  the 
multitude  keep  silence,  that  the  sons  of  the  Achaians,  both 
the  nearest  and  the  farthest,  might  hear  his  words  together 
and  give  heed  to  his  counsel.  He  of  good  intent  made 
harangue  to  them  and  said  : “ Atreides,  now  surely  are  the 
Achaians  for  making  thee,  O king,  most  despised  among  all 
mortal  men,  nor  will  they  fulfil  the  promise  that  they  pledged 
thee  when  they  still  were  marching  hither  from  horse- 
pasturing  Argos  ; that  thou  shouldest  not  return  till  thou 
hadst  laid  well-walled  Ilios  waste.  For  like  young  children 
or  widow  women  do  they  wail  each  to  the  other  of  returning 
home.  Yea,  here  is  toil  to  make  a man  depart  disheartened. 
For  he  that  stayeth  away  but  one  single  month  far  from  his 
wife  in  his  benched  ship  fretteth  himself  when  winter  storms 
and  the  furious  sea  imprison  him  ; but  for  us,  the  ninth  year 
of  our  stay  here  is  upon  us  in  its  course.  Therefore  do  I 
not  marvel  that  the  Achaians  should  fret  beside  their  beaked 
ships;  yet  nevertheless  is  it  shameful  to  wait  long  and  to 
depart  empty.  Be  of  good  heart,  my  friends,  and  wait  a 
while,  until  we  learn  whether  Kalchas  be  a true  prophet  or 
no.  For  this  thing  verily  we  know  well  in  our  hearts,  and 
ye  all  are  witnesses  thereof,  even  as  many  as  the  fates  of 
death  have  not  borne  away.  It  was  as  it  were  but  yesterday 
or  the  day  before  that  the  Achaians’  ships  were  gathering  in 
Aulis,  freighted  with  trouble  for  Priam  and  the  Trojans  ; and 


ILIAD  II,  305-336 


31 


we  round  about  a spring  were  offering  on  the  holy  altars 
unblemished  hecatombs  to  the  immortals,  beneath  a fair 
plane-tree  whence  flowed  bright  water,  when  there  was  seen 
a great  portent : a snake  blood-red  on  the  back,  terrible, 
whom  the  god  of  Olympus  himself  had  sent  forth  to  the 
light  of  day,  sprang  from  beneath  the  altar  and  darted  to  the 
plane-tree.  Now  there  were  there  the  brood  of  a sparrow, 
tender  little  ones,  upon  the  topmost  branch,  nestling  beneath 
the  leaves ; eight  were  they  and  the  mother  of  the  little 
ones  was  the  ninth,  and  the  snake  swallowed  these  cheeping 
pitifully.  And  the  mother  fluttered  around  wailing  for  her 
dear  little  ones ; but  he  coiled  himself  and  caught  her  by 
the  wing  as  she  screamed  about  him.  Now  when  he  had 
swallowed  the  sparrow’s  little  ones  and  the  mother  with 
them,  the  god  who  revealed  him  made  of  him  a sign  ; for  the 
son  of  crooked-counselling  Kronos  turned  him  to  stone,  and 
we  stood  by  and  marvelled  to  see  what  was  done.  So  when 
the  dread  portent  brake  in  upon  the  hecatombs  of  the  gods, 
then  did  Kalchas  forthwith  prophesy,  and  said  : 1 Why  hold 
ye  your  peace,  ye  flowing-haired  Achaians  ? To  us  hath 
Zeus  the  counsellor  shown  this  great  sign,  late  come,  of  late 
fulfilment,  the  fame  whereof  shall  never  perish.  Even  as  he 
swallowed  the  sparrow’s  little  ones  and  herself,  the  eight 
wherewith  the  mother  that  bare  the  little  ones  was  the  ninth, 
so  shall  we  war  there  so  many  years,  but  in  the  tenth  yeai 
shall  we  take  the  wide-wayed  city.’  So  spake  the  seer ; 
and  now  are  all  these  things  being  fulfilled.  So  come,  abide 
ye  all,  ye  well-greaved  Achaians,  even  where  ye  are,  until  we 
have  taken  the  great  city  of  Priam.” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  Argives  shouted  aloud,  and  all 
round  the  ships  echoed  terribly  to  the  voice  of  the  Achaians 
as  they  praised  the  saying  of  god-like  Odysseus.  And  then 
spake  among  them  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  : “ Out  on  it ; 


32 


ILIAD  II,  337-369 


in  very  truth  ye  hold  assembly  like  silly  boys  that  have  no 
care  for  deeds  of  war.  What  shall  come  of  our  covenants 
and  our  oaths  ? Let  all  counsels  be  cast  into  the  fire  and 
all  devices  of  warriors  and  the  pure  drink-offerings  and  the 
right  hands  of  fellowship  wherein  we  trusted.  For  we  are 
vainly  striving  with  words  nor  can  we  find  any  device  at  all, 
for  all  our  long  tarrying  here.  Son  of  Atreus,  do  thou  still, 
as  erst,  keep  steadfast  purpose  and  lead  the  Argives  amid  the 
violent  fray ; and  for  these,  let  them  perish,  the  one  or  two 
Achaians  that  take  secret  counsel — though  fulfilment  shall 
not  come  thereof — to  depart  to  Argos  first,  before  they  know 
whether  the  promise  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus  be  a lie  or  no. 
Yea,  for  I say  that  most  mighty  Kronion  pledged  us  his  word 
that  day  when  the  Argives  embarked  upon  their  fleet  ships, 
bearing  unto  the  Trojans  death  and  fate;  for  by  his  lightning 
upon  our  right  he  manifested  signs  of  good.  Therefore  let 
no  man  hasten  to  depart  home  till  each  have  lain  by  some 
Trojan’s  wife  and  paid  back  his  strivings  and  groans  for 
Helen’s  sake.  But  if  any  man  is  overmuch  desirous  to 
depart  homewards,  let  him  lay  his  hand  upon  his  decked 
black  ship,  that  before  all  men  he  may  encounter  death  and 
fate.  But  do  thou,  my  king,  take  good  counsel  thyself,  and 
hearken  to  another  that  shall  give  it ; the  word  that  I speak, 
whate’er  it  be,  shall  not  be  cast  away.  Separate  thy  warriors 
by  tribes  and  by  clans,  Agamemnon,  that  clan  may  give  aid 
to  clan  and  tribe  to  tribe.  If  thou  do  thus  and  the  Achaians 
hearken  to  thee,  then  wilt  thou  know  who  among  thy  captains 
and  who  of  the  common  sort  is  a coward,  and  who  too  is 
brave  ; for  they  will  fight  each  after  their  sort  So  wilt  thou 
know  whether  it  is  even  by  divine  command  that  thou  shall 
not  take  the  city,  or  by  the  baseness  of  thy  warriors  and 
their  ill  skill  in  battle.” 

And  lord  Agamemnon  answered  and  said  to  him: 


ILIAD  II,  370-402 


33 


“ Verily  hast  thou  again  outdone  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  in 
speech,  old  man.  Ah,  father  Zeus  and  Athene  and  Apollo, 
would  that  among  the  Achaians  I had  ten  such  councillors ; 
then  would  the  city  of  king  Priam  soon  bow  beneath  our 
hands,  captive  and  wasted.  But  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  the  son 
of  Kronos,  hath  brought  sorrows  upon  me,  in  that  he  casteth 
my  lot  amid  fruitless  wranglings  and  strifes.  For  in  truth  I 
and  Achilles  fought  about  a damsel  with  violent  words,  and 
I was  first  to  be  angry ; but  if  we  can  only  be  at  one  in 
council,  then  will  there  no  more  be  any  putting  off  the  day 
of  evil  for  the  Trojans,  no  not  for  an  instant  But  now  go 
ye  to  your  meal  that  we  may  join  battle.  Let  each  man 
sharpen  well  his  spear  and  bestow  well  his  shield,  and  let 
him  well  give  his  fleet-footed  steeds  their  meal,  and  look 
well  to  his  chariot  on  every  side  and  take  thought  for  battle, 
that  all  day  long  we  may  contend  in  hateful  war.  For  of 
respite  shall  there  intervene  no,  not  a whit,  only  that  the 
coming  of  night  shall  part  the  fury  of  warriors.  On  each 
man’s  breast  shall  the  baldrick  of  his  covering  shield  be  wet 
with  sweat,  and  his  hand  shall  grow  faint  about  the  spear, 
and  each  man’s  horse  shall  sweat  as  he  draweth  the  polished 
chariot  And  whomsoever  I perceive  minded  to  tarry  far 
from  the  fight  beside  the  beaked  ships,  for  him  shall  there 
be  no  hope  hereafter  to  escape  the  dogs  and  birds  of  prey.” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  Argives  shouted  aloud,  like  to  a 
wave  on  a steep  shore,  when  the  south  wind  cometh  and 
stirreth  it ; even  on  a jutting  rock,  that  is  never  left  at  peace 
by  the  waves  of  all  winds  that  rise  from  this  side  and  from 
that.  And  they  stood  up  and  scattered  in  haste  throughout 
the  ships,  and  made  fires  in  the  huts  and  took  their  meaL 
And  they  did  sacrifice  each  man  to  one  of  the  everlasting 
gods,  praying  for  escape  from  death  and  the  tumult  of 
battle.  But  Agamemnon  king  of  men  slew  a fat  bull  of  five 


D 


34 


ILIAD  II,  403-434 


years  to  most  mighty  Kronion,  and  called  the  elders,  the 
princes  of  the  Achaian  host,  Nestor  first  and  king  Idomeneus, 
and  then  the  two  Aiantes  and  Tydeus’  son,  and  sixthly 
Odysseus  peer  of  Zeus  in  counsel.  And  Menelaos  of  the 
loud  war-cry  came  to  him  unbidden,  for  he  knew  in  his 
heart  how  his  brother  toiled.  Then  stood  they  around 
the  bull  and  took  the  barley-meal.  And  Agamemnon  made 
his  prayer  in  their  midst  and  said : “ Zeus,  most  glorious, 
most  great,  god  of  the  storm-cloud,  that  dwellest  in  the 
heaven,  vouchsafe  that  the  sun  set  not  upon  us  nor  the 
darkness  come  near,  till  I have  laid  low  upon  the  earth 
Priam’s  palace  smirched  with  smoke,  and  burnt  the  door- 
ways thereof  with  consuming  fire,  and  rent  on  Hector’s 
breast  his  doublet  cleft  with  the  blade  ; and  about  him  may 
full  many  of  his  comrades  prone  in  the  dust  bite  the  earth.” 

So  spake  he,  but  not  as  yet  would  Kronion  grant  him 
fulfilment ; he  accepted  the  sacrifice,  but  made  toil  to  wax 
unceasingly. 

Now  when  they  had  prayed  and  sprinkled  the  barley- 
meal  they  first  drew  back  the  bull’s  head  and  cut  his  throat 
and  flayed  him,  and  cut  slices  from  the  thighs  and  wrapped 
them  in  fat,  making  a double  fold,  and  laid  raw  collops 
thereon.  And  these  they  burnt  on  cleft  wood  stript  of 
leaves,  and  spitted  the  vitals  and  held  them  over  Hephaistos’ 
flame.  Now  when  the  thighs  were  burnt  and  they  had 
tasted  the  vitals,  then  sliced  they  all  the  rest  and  pierced  it 
through  with  spits,  and  roasted  it  carefully  and  drew  all  off 
again.  So  when  they  had  rest  from  the  task  and  had 
made  ready  the  banquet,  they  feasted,  nor  was  their  heart 
aught  stinted  of  the  fair  banquet  But  when  they  had  put 
away  from  them  the  desire  of  meat  and  drink,  then  did 
knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  open  his  saying  to  them  : “ Most 
noble  son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon  king  of  men,  let  us 


ILIAD  II,  435-470 


35 


not  any  more  hold  long  converse  here,  nor  for  long  delay 
the  work  that  god  putteth  in  our  hands ; but  come,  let  the 
heralds  of  the  mail-clad  Achaians  make  proclamation  to  the 
folk  and  gather  them  throughout  the  ships ; and  let  us  go 
thus  in  concert  through  the  wide  host  of  the  Achaians,  that 
the  speedier  we  may  arouse  keen  war.” 

So  spake  he  and  Agamemnon  king  of  men  disregarded 
not.  Straightway  he  bade  the  clear-voiced  heralds  summon 
to  battle  the  flowing-haired  Achaians.  So  those  summoned 
and  these  gathered  with  all  speed.  And  the  kings,  the 
fosterlings  of  Zeus  that  were  about  Atreus’  son,  eagerly 
marshalled  them,  and  bright-eyed  Athene  in  the  midst, 
bearing  the  holy  aegis  that  knoweth  neither  age  nor  death, 
whereon  wave  an  hundred  tassels  of  pure  gold,  all  deftly 
woven  and  each  one  an  hundred  oxen  worth.  Therewith 
she  passed  dazzling  through  the  Achaian  folk,  urging  them 
forth  ; and  in  every  man’s  heart  she  roused  strength  to  battle 
without  ceasing  and  to  fight.  So  was  war  made  sweeter  to 
them  than  to  depart  in  their  hollow  ships  to  their  dear 
native  land.  Even  as  ravaging  fire  kindleth  a boundless 
forest  on  a mountain’s  peaks,  and  the  blaze  is  seen  from  afar, 
even  so  as  they  marched  went  the  dazzling  gleam  from  the 
innumerable  bronze  through  the  sky  even  unto  the  heavens. 

And  as  the  many  tribes  of  feathered  birds,  wild  geese  or 
cranes  or  long-necked  swans,  on  the  Asian  mead  by  Kaystrios’ 
stream,  fly  hither  and  thither  joying  in  their  plumage,  and  with 
loud  cries  settle  ever  onwards,  and  the  mead  resounds ; even 
so  poured  forth  the  many  tribes  of  warriors  from  ships  and 
huts  into  the  Skamandrian  plain.  And  the  earth  echoed 
terribly  beneath  the  tread  of  men  and  horses.  So  stood 
they  in  the  flowery  Skamandrian  plain,  unnumbered  as  are 
leaves  and  flowers  in  their  season.  Even  as  the  many  tribes 
of  thick  flies  that  hover  about  a herdsman’s  steading  in  the 


ILIAD  II,  471-503 


36 

spring  season,  when  milk  drencheth  the  pails,  even  in  like 
number  stood  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  upon  the  plain 
in  face  of  the  Trojans,  eager  to  rend  them  asunder.  And 
even  as  the  goatherds  easily  divide  the  ranging  flocks  of 
goats  when  they  mingle  in  the  pasture,  so  did  their  captains 
marshal  them  on  this  side  and  on  that,  to  enter  into  the  fray, 
and  in  their  midst  lord  Agamemnon,  his  head  and  eyes  like 
unto  Zeus  whose  joy  is  in  the  thunder,1  and  his  waist  like 
unto  Ares  and  his  breast  unto  Poseidon.  Even  as  a bull 
standeth  out  far  foremost  amid  the  herd,  for  he  is  pre- 
eminent amid  the  pasturing  kine,  even  such  did  Zeus  make 
Atreides  on  that  day,  pre-eminent  among  many  and  chid 
amid  heroes. 

Tell  me  now,  ye  Muses  that  dwell  in  the  mansions  of 
Olympus — seeing  that  ye  are  goddesses  and  are  at  hand  and 
know  all  things,  but  we  hear  only  a rumour  and  know  not 
anything — who  were  the  captains  of  the  Danaans  and  theii 
lords.  But  the  common  sort  could  I not  number  nor  name, 
nay,  not  if  ten  tongues  were  mine  and  ten  mouths,  and  a 
voice  unwearied,  and  my  heart  of  bronze  within  me,  did  not 
the  Muses  of  Olympus,  daughters  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  put 
into  my  mind  all  that  came  to  Ilios.  So  will  I tell  the 
captains  of  the  ships  and  all  the  ships  in  order. 

Of  the  Boiotians  Peneleos  and  Leitos  were  captains,  and 
Arkesilaos  and  Prothoenor  and  Klonios ; these  were  they 
that  dwelt  in  Hyria  and  rocky  Aulis  and  Schoinos  and 
Skolos  and  Eteonos  full  of  ridges,  Thespeia  and  Graia  and 
Mykalessos  with  wide  lawns ; and  that  dwelt  about  Harma 
and  Eilesion  and  Erythrai,  and  they  that  possessed  Eleon 
and  Peteon  and  Hyle,  Okalea  and  the  stablished  fortress 
of  Medeon,  Kopai  and  Eutresis  and  Thisbe  haunt  of  doves ; 
and  they  of  Koroneia  and  grassy  Haliartos,  and  that  pos- 
1 See  note  on  p.  14, 


ILIAD  II,  504-537 


37 


sessed  Plataia  and  that  dwelt  in  Glisas,  and  that  possessed 
the  stablished  fortress  of  lesser  Thebes  and  holy  Onchestos, 
Poseidon’s  bright  grove;  and  that  possessed  Arne  rich  in 
vineyards,  and  Mideia  and  sacred  Nisa  and  Anthedon  on 
the  furthest  borders.  Of  these  there  came  fifty  ships,  and 
in  each  one  embarked  young  men  of  the  Boiotians  an 
hundred  and  twenty.  And  they  that  dwelt  in  Aspledon 
and  Orchomenos  of  the  Minyai  were  led  of  Askalaphos 
and  Ialmenos,  sons  of  Ares,  whom  Astyoche  conceived  of 
the  mighty  god  in  the  palace  of  Aktor  son  of  Azeus,  having 
entered  her  upper  chamber,  a stately  maiden;  for  mighty 
Ares  lay  with  her  privily.  And  with  them  sailed  thirty 
hollow  ships. 

And  the  Phokians  were  led  of  Schedios  and  Epistrophos, 
sons  of  great-hearted  Iphitos  son  of  Naubolos ; these  were 
they  that  possessed  Kyparissos  and  rocky  Pytho  and  sacred 
Krisa  and  Daulis  and  Panopeus,  and  they  that  dwelt  about 
Anemoreia  and  Hyampolis,  yea,  and  they  that  lived  by  the 
goodly  river  Kephisos  and  possessed  Lilaia  by  Kephisos’ 
springs.  And  with  them  followed  forty  black  ships.  So 

(they  marshalled  the  ranks  of  the  Phokians  diligently,  and 
had  their  station  hard  by  the  Boiotians  on  the  left 

And  of  the  Lokrians  the  fleet  son  of  Oileus  was  captain, 
Aias  the  less,  that  was  not  so  great  as  was  the  Telamonian 
Aias  but  far  less.  Small  was  he,  with  linen  corslet,  but 
with  the  spear  he  far  outdid  all  the  Hellenes  and  Achaians. 
These  were  they  that  dwelt  in  Kynos  and  Opus  and 
Kalliaros  and  Bessa  and  Skarphe  and  lovely  Augeiai  and 
Tarphe  and  Thronion,  about  the  streams  of  Boagrios.  And 
with  Aias  followed  forty  black  ships  of  the  Lokrians  that 
dwell  over  against  holy  Euboia. 

And  the  Abantes  breathing  fury,  they  that  possessed 
Euboia  and  Chalkis  and  Eiretria  and  Histiaia  rich  in  vines. 


38 


ILIAD  II,  538-568 


and  Kerinthos  by  the  sea  and  the  steep  fortress  of  Dios, 
and  they  that  possessed  Karystos,  and  they  that  dwelt  in 
Styra,  all  these  again  were  led  of  Elephenor  of  the  stock  o ( 
Ares,  even  the  son  of  Chalkodon,  and  captain  of  the  proud 
Abantes.  And  with  him  followed  the  fleet  Abantes  with 
hair  flowing  behind,  spearmen  eager  with  ashen  shafts  out- 
stretched to  tear  the  corslets  on  the  breasts  of  the  foes. 
And  with  him  forty  black  ships  followed. 

And  they  that  possessed  the  goodly  citadel  of  Athens, 
the  domain  of  Erechtheus  the  high-hearted,  whom  erst 
Athene  daughter  of  Zeus  fostered  when  Earth,  the  grain- 
giver,  brought  him  to  birth ; — and  she  gave  him  a resting- 
place  in  Athens  in  her  own  rich  sanctuary ; and  there  the 
sons  of  the  Athenians  worship  him  with  bulls  and  rams  as 
the  years  turn  in  their  courses — these  again  were  led  of 
Menestheus  son  of  Peteos.  And  there  was  no  man  upon 
the  face  of  earth  that  was  like  him  for  the  marshalling  of 
horsemen  and  warriors  that  bear  the  shield.  Only  Nestor 
rivalled  him,  for  he  was  the  elder  by  birth.  And  with  him 
fifty  black  ships  followed. 

And  Aias  led  twelve  ships  from  Salamis,  [and  brought 
them  and  set  them  where  the  battalions  of  the  Athenians 
stood]. 

And  they  that  possessed  Argos  and  Tiryns  of  the  great 
walls,  Hermione  and  Asine  that  enfold  the  deep  gulf, 
Troizen  and  Ei'onai  and  Epidauros  full  of  vines,  and  the 
youths  of  the  Achaians  that  possessed  Aigina  and  Mases, 
these  were  led  of  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  and 
Sthenelos,  dear  son  of  famous  Kapaneus.  And  the  third 
with  them  came  Euryalos,  a godlike  warrior,  the  son  of 
king  Mekisteus  son  of  Taiaos.  But  Diomedes  of  the  loud 
war-cry  was  lord  over  &1L  And  with  them  eighty  black 
ships  followed. 


ILIAD  II,  569-599 


39 


And  of  them  that  possessed  the  stablished  fortress  od 
Mykene  and  wealthy  Corinth  and  stablished  Kleonai,  and 
dwelt  in  Orneiai  and  lovely  Araithyrea  and  Sikyon,  wherein 
Adrestos  was  king  at  the  first ; and  of  them  that  possessed 
Hyperesie  and  steep  Gonoessa  and  Pellene,  and  dwelt  about 
Aigion  and  through  all  the  coast-land  and  about  broad 
Helike,  of  them  did  lord  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus  lead 
an  hundred  ships.  With  him  followed  most  and  goodliest 
folk  by  far ; and  in  their  midst  himself  was  clad  in  flashing 
bronze,  all  glorious,  and  was  pre-eminent  amid  all  warriors, 
because  he  was  goodliest  and  led  folk  far  greatest  in 
number. 

And  of  them  that  possessed  Lakedaimon  lying  low  amid 
the  rifted  hills,  and  Pharis  and  Sparta  and  Messe,  the  haunt 
of  doves,  and  dwelt  in  Bryseiai  and  lovely  Augeiai,  and  of 
them  too  that  possessed  Amyklai  and  the  sea-coast  fortress 
of  Helos,  and  that  possessed  Laas  and  dwelt  about  Oitylos, 
of  these  was  the  king’s  brother  leader,  even  Menelaos  of  the 
loud  war-cry,  leader  of  sixty  ships,  and  these  were  arrayed 
apart  And  himself  marched  among  them  confident  in  his 
zeal,  urging  his  men  to  battle  : and  his  heart  most  of  all 
was  set  to  take  vengeance  for  his  strivings  and  groans  for 
Helen’s  sake.1 

And  of  them  that  dwelt  in  Pylos  and  lovely  Arene  and 
Thryon  the  fording-place  of  Alpheios,  and  in  stablished 
Aipy,  and  were  inhabitants  of  Kyparisseis  and  Amphigeneia 
and  Pteleos  and  Helos  and  Dorion — where  the  Muses  met 
Thamyris  the  Thracian,  and  made  an  end  of  his  singing,  as 
he  was  faring  from  Oichalia,  from  Eurytos  the  Oichalian ; 
for  he  averred  with  boasting  that  he  would  conquer,  even 
did  the  Muses  themselves  sing  against  him,  the  daughters  ot 
aegis-bearing  Zeus ; but  they  in  their  anger  maimed  him, 
1 Or,  “ for  Helen’s  searchings  of  heart  and  groans." 


4° 


ILIAD  II,  600-631 


moreover  they  took  from  him  the  high  gift  of  song  and  made 
him  to  forget  his  harping — of  all  these  was  knightly  Nestor 
of  Gerenia  leader,  and  with  him  sailed  ninety  hollow  ships. 

And  of  them  that  possessed  Arkadia  beneath  the  steep 
mountain  of  Kyllene,  beside  the  tomb  of  Aipytos,  where  are 
warriors  that  fight  hand  to  hand ; and  of  them  that  dwelt  in 
Pheneos  and  Orchomenos  abounding  in  flocks,  and  Rhipe 
and  Stratie  and  windy  Enispe,  and  that  possessed  Tegea 
and  lovely  Mantineia,  and  possessed  Stymphelos  ana  dwelt 
in  Parrhasie,  of  these  was  Ankaios’  son  lord  Agapenor 
leader,  even  of  sixty  ships  ; and  in  each  ship  embarked  many 
Arkadian  warriors  skilled  in  fight.  For  Agamemnon  king 
of  men  himself  gave  them  benched  ships  wherewith  to  cross 
the  wine-dark  sea,  even  he  the  son  of  Atreus ; for  matters  of 
seafaring  concerned  them  not. 

And  they  too  that  inhabited  Bouprasion  and  goodly 
Elis,  so  much  thereof  as  Hyrmine  and  Myrsinos  upon  the 
borders  and  the  Olenian  rock  and  Aleision  bound  between 
them,  of  these  men  there  were  four  captains,  and  ten  swift 
ships  followed  each  one,  and  many  Epeians  embarked  there- 
on. So  some  were  led  of  Amphimachos  and  Thalpios,  of 
the  lineage  of  Aktor,  sons  one  of  Kteatos  and  one  of 
Eurytos ; and  of  some  was  stalwart  Diores  captain,  son  of 
Amarynkes  ; and  of  the  fourth  company  godlike  Polyxeinos 
was  captain,  son  of  king  Agasthenes  Augeias’  son. 

And  them  of  Doulichion  and  the  holy  Echinean  Isles 
that  stand  beyond  the  sea  over  against  Elis,  even  these  did 
Meges  lead,  the  peer  of  Ares,  Phyleides  to  wit,  for  he  was 
begotten  of  knightly  Phyleus  dear  to  Zeus,  him  that  erst 
changed  his  habitation  to  Doulichion  for  anger  against  his 
father.1  And  with  him  followed  forty  black  ships. 

And  Odysseus  led  the  great-hearted  Kephallenians,  them 


1 Note  1. 


ILIAD  II,  632-664 


4i 


that  possessed  Ithaka  and  Neriton  with  quivering  leafage, 
and  dwelt  in  Krokyleia  and  rugged  Aigilips,  and  them  that 
possessed  Zakynthos  and  that  dwelt  in  Samos,  and  possessed 
the  mainland  and  dwelt  in  the  parts  over  against  the  isles 
Them  did  Odysseus  lead,  the  peer  of  Zeus  in  counsel,  and 
with  him  followed  twelve  ships  with  vermilion  prow. 

And  of  the  Aitolians  Thoas  was  captain,  the  son  of 
Andraimon,  even  of  them  that  dwelt  in  Pleuron  and  Olenos 
and  Pylene,  and  Chalkis  on  the  sea-shore  and  rocky  Kalydon, 
For  the  sons  of  great-hearted  Oineus  were  no  more,  neither 
did  he  still  live,  and  golden-haired  Meleagros  was  dead,  to 
whose  hands  all  had  been  committed,  for  him  to  be  king  of 
the  Aitolians.  And  with  Thoas  there  followed  forty  black 
ships. 

And  of  the  Cretans  Idomeneus  the  famous  spearman  was 
leader,  even  of  them  that  possessed  Knosos  and  Gortys  of 
the  great  walls,  Lyktos  and  Miletos  and  chalky  Lykastos  and 
Phaistos  and  Rhytion,  stabiished  cities  all  ; and  of  all  others 
that  dwelt  in  Crete  of  the  hundred  cities.  Of  these  men 
was  Idomeneus  the  famous  spearman  leader,  and  Meriones 
peer  of  the  man-slaying  war-god.  With  these  followed  eighty 
black  ships. 

And  Tlepolemos,  Herakles’  son  goodly  and  tall,  led 
from  Rhodes  nine  ships  of  the  lordly  Rhodians,  that  dwelt 
in  Rhodes  in  threefold  ordering,  in  Lindos  and  Ialysos  and 
chalky  Kameiros.  These  were  led  of  Tlepolemos  the 
famous  spearman,  that  was  born  to  great  Herakles  by  Astyo- 
cheia,  whom  he  had  brought  away  from  Ephyre  by  the  river 
Selleeis,  when  he  laid  waste  many  cities  of  strong  men, 
fosterlings  of  Zeus.  Now  when  Tlepolemos  had  grown  to 
manhood  within  the  strong  palace  walls,  anon  he  slew  his 
own  father’s  dear  uncle,  an  old  man  now,  Likymnios  of  the 
stock  of  Ares.  Then  with  speed  built  he  ships  and  gathered 


42 


ILIAD  II,  665-699 


much  folk  together,  and  went  fleeing  across  the  deep,  be 
cause  the  other  sons  and  grandsons  of  great  Herakles 
threatened  him.  So  he  came  to  Rhodes  a wanderer,  endur- 
ing hardships,  and  his  folk  settled  by  kinship  in  three  tribes, 
and  were  loved  of  Zeus  that  is  king  among  gods  and  men ; 
and  Kronion  poured  upon  them  exceeding  great  wealth. 

Nireus,  moreover,  led  three  trim  ships  from  Syme, 
Nireus  son  of  Aglaia  and  king  Charopos,  Nireus  the  most 
beauteous  man  that  came  up  under  Ilios  of  all  the  Danaans, 
after  the  noble  son  of  Peleus.  Howbeit  he  was  a weakling 
and  a scanty  host  followed  him. 

And  of  them  that  possessed  Nisyros  and  Krapathos 
and  Kasos  and  Kos  the  city  of  Eurypylos,  and  the  Kalyd- 
nian  Isles,  of  them  Pheidippos  and  Antiphos  were  leaders, 
the  two  sons  of  king  Thessalos  son  of  Herakles.  With 
them  were  arrayed  thirty  hollow  ships. 

Now  all  moreover  that  dwelt  in  the  Pelasgian  Argos  and 
inhabited  Alos  and  Alope  and  Trachis  and  possessed 
Phthia  and  Hellas  the  home  of  fair  women,  and  were  called 
Myrmidons  and  Hellenes  and  Achaians  ; of  all  these,  even 
fifty  ships,  Achilles  was  captain.  But  these  took  no  thought 
of  noisy  war ; for  there  was  no  man  to  array  them  in  line  of 
battle.  For  fleet-footed  goodly  Achilles  lay  idle  amid  the 
ships,  wroth  for  the  sake  of  a damsel,  Briseis  of  the  lovely 
hair,  whom  he  had  won  from  Lymessos  with  much  travail, 
what  time  he  laid  waste  Lymessos  and  the  walls  of  Thebe, 
and  overthrew  Mynes  and  Epistrophos,  warriors  that  bare 
the  spear,  sons  of  king  Euenos  Selepos’  son.  For  her  sake 
lay  Achilles  sorrowing ; but  soon  was  he  to  arise  again. 

And  of  them  that  possessed  Phylake  and  flowery  Pyrasos, 
Demeter’s  sanctuary,  and  Iton  mother  of  flocks,  and  Antron 
by  the  sea-shore  and  Pteleos  couched  in  grass,  of  all  these 
was  warlike  Protesilaos  leader  while  yet  he  lived ; but  now 


ILIAD  II.  699-731 


43 


ere  this  the  black  earth  held  him  fast  His  wife  with  marred 
visage  was  left  alone  in  Phyiake,  yea,  and  his  bridal  chamber 
half  builded ; for  a Dardanian  warrior  slew  him  as  he  leapt 
from  his  ship  far  first  of  the  Achaians.  Yet  neither  were 
his  men  leaderless,  though  they  sorrowed  for  their  leader ; 
for  Podarkes  of  the  stock  of  Ares  marshalled  them,  son  of 
Phylakos’  son  Iphiklos  was  he,  the  lord  of  many  flocks,  own 
brother  of  great-hearted  Protesilaos,  and  younger-born  than 
he  : but  the  other  was  alike  the  elder  and  the  braver,  even 
Protesilaos,  that  mighty  man  of  war.  Yet  did  net  the  host 
lack  at  all  a leader,  only  they  yearned  for  the  noble  dead. 
With  him  followed  forty  black  ships. 

And  of  them  that  dwelt  in  Pherai  by  the  Boibeian  mere, 
in  Boibe  and  Glaphyre  and  stablished  lolkos,  of  them, 
even  eleven  ships,  Admetos’  dear  son  was  leader,  Eumelos 
whom  Alkestis,  fair  among  women,  bare  to  Admetos,  she 
that  was  most  beauteous  to  look  upon  of  the  daughters  of 
Pelias. 

And  of  them  that  dwelt  in  Methone  and  Thaumakie,  and 
possessed  Meliboia  and  rugged  Olizon,  of  these,  even  seven 
ships,  was  Philoktetes  leader,  the  cunning  archer ; and  in 
each  ship  sailed  fifty  oarsmen  skilled  to  fight  amain  with  the 
bow.  But  their  captain  lay  enduring  sore  pain  in  the  isle 
of  goodly  Lemnos,  where  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  left  him 
sick  of  a grievous  wound  from  a deadly  water-snake.  There 
lay  he  pining ; yet  were  the  Argives  soon  to  bethink  them 
beside  their  ships  of  king  Philoktetes.  Yet  neither  were  his 
men  leaderless,  only  they  sorrowed  for  their  leader ; but 
Medon  marshalled  them,  Oileus’  bastard  son,  whom  Rhene 
bare  to  Oileus  waster  of  cities. 

And  of  them  that  possessed  Trikke  and  terraced  Ithomc 
and  that  possessed  Oichalia  city  of  Eurytos  the  Oichalian, 
of  these  again  Asklepios’  two  sons  were  leaders,  tire  cunning 


44 


ILIAD  II,  732-765 


leeches  Podaleirios  and  Machaon.  And  with  them  were 
arrayed  thirty  hollow  ships. 

And  of  them  that  possessed  Ormenios  and  the  fountain  of 
Hypereia,  and  possessed  Asterion  and  the  white  crests  of 
Titanos,  of  these  was  Eurypylos  leader,  Euaimon’s  glorious 
son  ; and  with  him  forty  black  ships  followed. 

And  of  them  that  possessed  Argissa  and  dwelt  in  Gyrtona, 
Orthe  and  Elone  and  the  white  city  of  Oloosson,  of  these 
was  captain  unflinching  Polypoites,  son  of  Peirithoos  that 
immortal  Zeus  begat : and  Polypoites  did  famed  Hippo- 
dameia  conceive  of  Peirithoos  on  that  day  when  he  took 
vengeance  of  the  shaggy  wild  folk,  and  thrust  them  forth 
from  Pelion  and  drave  them  to  the  Aithikes.  And  Poly- 
poites ruled  not  alone,  but  with  him  was  Leonteus  of  the 
stock  of  Ares,  son  of  high-hearted  Koronos  Kaineus’s  son. 
And  with  them  forty  black  ships  followed. 

And  Gouneus  from  Kyphos  led  two-and-twenty  ships,  and 
with  him  followed  the  Enienes  and  unflinching  Peraibians 
that  had  pitched  their  homes  about  wintry  Dodona,  and 
dwelt  on  the  tilth  about  lovely  Titaresios  that  poureth  his 
fair-flowing  stream  into  Peneios.  Yet  doth  he  not  mingle 
with  the  silver  eddies  of  Peneios,  but  floweth  on  over  him 
like  unto  oil,  seeing  that  he  is  an  offspring  from  the  water  of 
Styx,  the  dread  river  of  the  oath. 

And  the  Magnetes  were  led  of  Prothoos  son  of  Tenthre- 
don,  even  they  that  dwelt  about  Peneios  and  Pelion  with 
trembling  leafage.  These  did  fleet  Prothoos  lead,  and  with 
him  forty  black  ships  followed. 

So  these  were  the  leaders  of  the  Danaans  and  their  cap- 
tains. Now  tell  me,  O Muse,  who  among  them  was  first  and 
foremost,  of  warriors  alike  and  horses  that  followed  the  sons 
of  Atreus.  Of  horses  they  of  Pheres’  son  were  far  goodliest, 
those  that  Eumelos  drave,  swift  as  birds,  like  of  coat,  like  of 


ILIAD  II,  765-796 


45 


age,  matched  to  the  measure  of  a levelling  line  across  their 
backs.  These  were  reared  in  Peraia  by  Apollo  of  the  silver 
bow,  two  mares  carrying  onward  the  terror  of  battle.  But 
of  warriors  far  best  was  the  Telamonian  Aias,  while  the  wrath 
of  Achilles  yet  endured ; for  he  was  greatest  of  all,  he  and 
his  horses  that  bore  him,  even  Peleus’  noble  son.  But  he 
lay  idle  among  his  seafaring  ships,  in  sore  wrath  against 
Agamemnon  Atreus’  son,  shepherd  of  the  host ; and  his 
folk  along  the  sea-shore  sported  with  quoits  and  with  casting 
of  javelins  and  archery  ; and  the  horses  each  beside  his  own 
chariot  stood  idle,  champing  clover  and  parsley  of  the 
marsh,  and  their  lords’  chariots  lay  well  covered  up  within 
the  huts,  while  the  men  yearned  for  their  warrior  chief,  and 
wandered  hither  and  thither  through  the  camp  and  fought 
not. 

So  marched  they  then  as  though  all  the  land  were  con- 
suming with  fire  ; and  the  earth  groaned  beneath  them  as 
at  the  wrath  of  Zeus  whose  joy  is  in  the  thunder,  when  he 
lasheth  the  earth  about  Typhoeus  in  the  country  of  the 
Arimoi,  where  men  say  is  Typhoeus’  couch.  Even  so 
groaned  the  earth  aloud  at  their  tread  as  they  went : and 
with  speed  advanced  they  across  the  plain. 

I Now  fleet  Iris  the  wind-footed  went  to  the  Trojans,  a 
messenger  from  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  with  a grievous  message. 
These  were,  holding  assembly  at  Priam’s  gate,  being  gathered 
all  together  both  young  men  and  old.  And  fleet-footed  Iris 
stood  hard  by  and  spake  to  them  ; and  she  made  her  voice 
like  to  the  voice  of  Polites  son  of  Priam,  who  was  the 
sentinel  of  the  Trojans  and  was  wont  to  sit  trusting  in  his 
fleetness  upon  the  barrow  of  Aisyetes  of  old,  and  on  the 
top  thereof  wait  the  sallying  of  the  Achaians  forth  from  their 
ships.  Even  in  his  likeness  did  fleet-footed  Iris  speak  to 
Priam  : “ Old  man,  words  beyond  number  are  still  pleasant 


46 


ILIAD  II,  797-824 


to  thee  as  erst  in  the  days  of  peace  ; but  war  without  respite 
is  upon  us.  Of  a truth  have  I very  oft  ere  now  entered 
into  battles  of  the  warriors,  yet  have  I never  seen  so  goodly 
a host  and  so  great ; for  in  the  very  likeness  of  the  leaves 
of  the  forest  or  the  sands  of  the  sea  are  they  marching  along 
the  plain  to  fight  against  the  city.  But  Hector,  thee  do  I 
charge  beyond  all  to  do  even  as  I shall  say.  Seeing  that 
the  allies  are  very  many  throughout  Priam’s  great  city,  and 
diverse  men,  being  scattered  abroad,  have  diverse  tongues ; 
therefore  let  each  one  give  the  word  to  those  whose  chieftain 
he  is,  and  them  let  him  lead  forth  and  have  the  ordering  of 
his  countrymen.” 

So  spake  she,  and  Hector  failed  not  to  know  the  voice 
of  the  goddess,  and  straightway  dismissed  the  assembly,  ri 
and  they  rushed  to  arms.  And  the  gates  were  thrown  open 
wide,  and  the  host  issued  forth,  footmen  and  horsemen,  and 
mighty  din  arose. 

Now  there  is  before  the  city  a certain  steep  mound  apart 
in  the'  plain,  with  a clear  way  about  it  on  this  side  and  on 
that;  and  men  indeed  call  this  “Batieia,”  but  the  im- 
mortals call  it  “ The  tomb  of  lithe  Myrine.”  There  did  the 
Trojans  and  their  allies  divide  their  companies. 

Amid  the  Trojans  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  was 
leader,  the  son  of  Priam ; with  him  the  greatest  hosts  by 
far  and  the  goodliest  were  arrayed,  eager  warriors  of  the 
spear. 

But  the  Dardanians  were  led  of  the  princely  son  of 
Anchises,  Aineias,  whom  bright  Aphrodite  conceived  to 
Anchises  amids  the  spurs  of  Ida,  a goddess  wedded  to  a 
mortal.  Neither  was  he  alone;  with  him  were  AntenoPs 
two  sons,  Archelochos  and  Akamas,  well  skilled  in  all  the 
ways  of  war. 

And  of  them  that  dwelt  in  Zeleia  beneath  the  nethermost! 


ILIAD  II,  825-854 


47 


foot  of  Ida,  the  men  of  substance  that  drink  the  dark  waters 
of  Aisepos,  even  the  Troes  ; of  these  Lykaon’s  glorious  son 
was  leader,  Pandaros,  to  whom  Apollo  himself  gave  the 
bov?. 

And  of  them  that  possessed  Adresteia  and  the  land  of 
Apaisos  and  possessed  Pityeia  and  the  steep  hill  of  Tereia, 
of  these  Adrestos  was  captain,  and  Amphios  of  the  linen 
corslet,  the  two  sons  of  Merops  of  Perkote,  that  beyond  all 
men  knew  soothsaying,  and  would  have  hindered  his  children 
marching  to  murderous  war.  But  they  gave  him  no  heed, 
for  the  fates  of  black  death  led  them  on. 

And  they  that  dwelt  about  Perkote  and  Praktios  and 
possessed  Sestos  and  Abydos  and  bright  Arisbe,  these  were 
led  of  Hyrtakos’  son  Asios,  a prince  of  men,  Asios  son  of 
Hyrtakos,  whom  his  tall  sorrel  steeds  brought  from  Arisbe, 
from  the  river  Selleeis. 

And  Hippothoos  led  the  tribes  of  the  Pelasgians  that 
tight  with  spears,  them  that  inhabited  deep-soiled  Larisa. 
These  were  led  of  Hippothoos  and  Pylaios  of  the  stock  of 

IAres,  twain  sons  of  Pelasgian  Lethos  son  of  Teutamos. 

And  the  Thracians  were  led  of  Akamas  and  hero 
Peiroos,  even  all  they  that  the  strong  stream  of  Hellespont 
shutteth  in.  And  Euphemos  was  captain  of  the  Kikonian 
spearmen,  the  son  of  Troizenos  Keos’  son,  fosterling  of 
Zeus. 

But  Pyraicbmes  led  the  Paionians  with  curving  bows, 
rrom  far  away  in  Amydon,  from  the  broad  stream  of  Axios, 
Axios  whose  water  is  the  fairest  that  floweth  over  the  face 
1 if  the  earth. 

1 And  Pylaimenes  of  rugged  heart  led  the  Paphlagonians 
( rom  the  land  of  the  Eneti,  whence  is  the  breed  of  wild 
nules.  This  folk  were  they  that  possessed  Kytoros  and 
( iwelt  about  Sesamon,  and  inhabited  their  famed  dwellings 


48  ILIAD  II,  855-877 

round  the  river  Parthenios  and  Kromna  and  Aigialos  and 
lofty  Erythini. 

And  the  Alizones  were  led  of  Odios  and  Epistrophos, 
from  far  away  in  Alybe,  where  is  the  birthplace  of  silver 

And  the  Mysians  were  led  of  Chromis  and  Ennomos  the 
augur,  yet  with  all  his  auguries  warded  he  not  black  fate 
from  him,  but  was  vanquished  by  the  hand  of  fleet-footed 
Aiakides  in  the  river,  when  he  made  havoc  of  the  Trojans 
there  and  of  the  rest. 

And  Phorkys  and  godlike  Askanios  led  the  Phrygians 
from  far  Askania,  and  these  were  eager  to  fight  in  the 
battle-throng. 

And  the  Maionians  were  commanded  of  Mesthles  and 
Antiphos,  Talaitnenes’  two  sons,  whose  mother  was  the 
Gygaian  mere.  So  these  led  the  Maionians,  whose  birth- 
place was  under  Tmolos. 

But  Nastes  led  the  Karians,  uncouth  of  speech,  that 
possessed  Miletos  and  the  mountain  of  Phthires,  of  leafage 
numberless,  and  the  streams  of  Maiandros  and  the  steep 
crest  of  Mykale.  These  were  led  of  Amphimachos  and 
Nastes  : Nastes  and  Amphimachos  the  glorious  children  of 
Nomion.  And  he  came,  forsooth,  to  battle  with  golden 
attire  like  a girl — fond  man  : that  held  not  back  in  any  wise 
grievous  destruction,  but  he  was  vanquished  by  the  hands 
of  fleet-footed  Aiakides  in  the  river,  and  wise-hearted 
Achilles  carried  away  his  gold. 

And  Sarpedon  and  blameless  Glaukos  led  the  Lyki&n* 
from  far  away  in  Lykia  by  eddying  Xanthos. 


BOOK  III. 


How  Menelaos  and  Paris  fought  in  single  combat ; and  Aphrodite 
rescued  Paris.  And  how  Helen  and  Priam  beheld  the  Achaian 
host  from  the  walls  of  Troy. 


Now  when  they  were  arrayed,  each  company  with  their 
captains,  the  Trojans  marched  with  clamour  and  with  shout- 
ing like  unto  birds,  even  as  when  there  goeth  up  before 
heaven  a clamour  of  cranes  which  flee  from  the  coming  of 
winter  and  sudden  rain,  and  fly  with  clamour  towards  the 
streams  of  ocean,  bearing  slaughter  and  fate  to  the  Pigmy 
men,  and  in  early  mom  offer  cruel  battle.  | But  on  the  other 
side  marched  the  Achaians  in  silence  breathing  courage, 
eager  at  heart  to  give  succour  man  to  man. 

Even  as  when  the  south  wind  sheddeth  mist  over  the 
crests  of  a mountain,  mist  unwelcome  to  the  shepherd,  but 
to  the  robber  better  than  night,  and  a man  can  see  no  further 
than  he  casteth  a stone  ; even  so  thick  arose  the  gathering 
dust-clouds  at  their  tread  as  they  went;  and  with  all  speed 
they  advanced  across  the  plain. 

So  when  they  were  now  come  nigh  in  onset  on  each 
other,  godlike  Alexandros  played  champion  to  the  Trojans, 
wearing  upon  his  shoulders  panther-skin  and  curved  bow 
and  sword ; and  he  brandished  two  bronze-headed  spears 
and  challenged  all  the  chieftains  of  the  Argives  to  fight  him 
man  to  man  in  deadly  combat  But  when  Menelaos  dear 

E 


5° 


ILIAD  III,  21-52 


to  Ares  marked  him  coming  in  the  forefront  of  the  multi- 
tude with  long  strides,  then  even  as  a lion  is  glad  when  he 
lighteth  upon  a great  carcase,  a homed  stag,  or  a wild  goat 
that  he  hath  found,  being  an  hungered;  and  so  he  devoureth 
it  amain,  even  though  the  fleet  hounds  and  lusty  youths  set 
upon  him  ; even  thus  was  Menelaos  glad  when  his  eyes  be- 
held godlike  Alexandras  ; for  he  thought  to  take  vengeance 
upon  the  sinner.  So  straightway  he  leapt  in  his  armour 
from  his  chariot  to  the  ground. 

But  when  godlike  Alexandros  marked  him  appear  amid 
the  champions,  his  heart  was  smitten,  and  he  shrank  back 
into  the  host  of  his  comrades,  avoiding  death.  And  even  as 
a man  that  hath  seen  a serpent  in  a mountain  glade  starteth 
backward  and  trembling  seizeth  his  feet  beneath  him,  and 
he  retreateth  back  again,  and  paleness  hath  hold  of  his 
cheeks,  even  so  did  godlike  Alexandfos  for  fear  of  Atreus’ 
son  shrink  back  into  the  throng  of  lordly  Trojans.  But 
Hector  beheld  and  upbraided  him  with  scornful  words : 
“111  Paris,  most  fair  in  semblance, thou  deceiver  woman-mad, 
would  thou  hadst  been  unborn  and  died  unwed.  Yea,  that 
were  my  desire,  and  it  were  far  better  than  thus  to  be  our 
shame  and  looked  at  askance  of  all  men.  I ween  that  the 
flowing-haired  Achaians  laugh,  deeming  that  a prince  is  our 
champion  only  because  a goodly  favour  is  his ; but  in  his 
heart  is  there  no  strength  nor  any  courage.  Art  thou  indeed 
such  an  one  that  in  thy  seafaring  ships  thou  didst  sail  over 
the  deep  with  the  company  of  thy  trusty  comrades,  and  in 
converse  with  strangers  didst  bring  back  a fair  woman  from 
a far  country,  one  that  was  by  marriage  daughter  to  warriors 
that  bear  the  spear,  that  she  might  be  a sore  mischief  to  thy 
father  and  city  and  all  the  realm,  but  to  our  foes  a rejoicing, 
and  to  thyself  a hanging  of  the  head  ? And  canst  thou  not 
indeed  abide  Menelaos  dear  to  A”es  ? Thou  mightest  see 


ILIAD  III,  53-84 


5i 


what  sort  of  wajrior  is  he  whose  lovely  wife  thou  hast. 
Thy  lyre  will  not  avail  thee  nor  the  gifts  of  Aphrodite,  those 
thy  locks  and  fair  favour,  when  thou  grovellest  in  the  dust 
But  the  Trojans  are  very  cowards : else  ere  this  hadst  thou 
donned  a robe  of  stone1  for  all  the  ill  thou  hast  wrought” 
And  godlike  Alexandras  made  answer  to  him  again : 
" Hector,  since  in  measure  thou  chidest  me  and  not  beyond 
measure — thy  heart  is  ever  keen,  even  as  an  axe  that 
pierceth  a beam  at  the  hand  of  a man  that  shapeth  a ship’s 
timber  with  skill,  and  thereby  is  the  man’s  blow  strengthened ; 
even  such  is  thy  heart  undaunted  in  thy  breast  Cast  not 
in  my  teeth  the  lovely  gifts  of  golden  Aphrodite ; not  to  be 
flung  aside  are  the  gods’  glorious  gifts  that  of  their  own  good 
will  they  give ; for  by  his  desire  can  no  man  win  them.  But 
now  if  thou  wilt  have  me  do  battle  and  fight,  make  the 
other  Trojans  sit  down  and  all  the  Achaians,  and  set  ye  me 
in  the  midst,  and  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares,  to  fight  for  Helen 
and  all  her  wealth.  And  whichsoever  shall  vanquish  and 
gain  the  upper  hand,  let  him  take  all  the  wealth  aright,  and 
the  woman,  and  bear  them  home.  And  let  the  rest  pledge 
friendship  and  sure  oaths ; so  may  ye  dwell  in  deep-soiled 
Troy,  and  let  them  depart  to  Argos  pasture-land  of  horses, 
and  Achaia  home  of  fair  women.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Hector  rejoiced  greatly  to  hear  his  say- 
ing, and  went  into  the  midst  and  restrained  the  battalions 
of  the  Trojans,  with  his  spear  grasped  by  the  middle ; and 
they  all  sate  them  down.  But  the  flowing-haired  Achaians 
kept  shooting  at  him,  aiming  with  arrows  and  casting  stones. 
But  Agamemnon  king  of  men  cried  aloud : “ Refrain,  ye 
Argives  j shoot  not,  ye  sons  of  the  Achaians ; for  Hector  of 
the  glancing  helm  hath  set  himself  to  say  somewhat” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  refrained  from  battle  and  made 
1 been  stoned  by  the  people. 


I 


52 


ILIAD  III,  85-117 


silence  speedily.  And  Hector  spake  between  the  two  hosts, 
“Hear  of  me,  Trojans  and  well-greaved  Achaians,  the 
saying  of  Alexandras,  for  whose  sake  strife  hath  come  about 
He  biddeth  the  other  Trojans  and  all  the  Achaians  to  laydown 
their  goodly  armour  on  the  bounteous  earth,  and  himself  in 
the  midst  and  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares  to  fight  alone  for 
Helen  and  all  her  wealth.  And  whichsoever  shall  vanquish 
and  gain  the  upper  hand,  let  him  take  all  the  wealth  aright, 
and  the  woman,  and  bear  them  home;  but  let  all  of  us 
pledge  friendship  and  sure  oaths.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  all  kept  silence  and  were  stilL 
Then  in  their  midst  spake  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry : 
“ Hearken  ye  now  to  me,  too;  for  into  my  heart  most  of  all 
is  grief  entered ; and  I deem  that  the  parting  of  Argives 
and  Trojans  hath  come  at  last;  seeing  ye  have  endured 
many  ills  because  of  my  quarrel  and  the  first  sin  of  Alex- 
andros. And  for  whichsoever  of  us  death  and  fate  are  pre- 
pared, let  him  lie  dead : and  be  ye  all  parted  with  speed. 
Bring  ye  two  lambs,  one  white  ram  and  one  black  ewe,  for 
earth  and  sun ; and  let  us  bring  one  for  Zeus.  And  call  hither 
great  Priam,  that  he  may  pledge  the  oath  himself,  seeing  he 
hath  sons  that  are  overweening  and  faithless,  lest  any  by 
transgression  do  violence  to  the  oath  of  Zeus ; for  young 
men’s  hearts  are  ever  lifted  up.  But  wheresoever  an  old 
man  entereth  in,  he  looketh  both  before  and  after,  whereby 
the  best  issue  shall  come  for  either  side.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Achaians  and  Trojans  were  glad, 
deeming  that  they  should  have  rest  from  grievous  war.  So 
they  refrained  their  chariots  to  the  ranks,  and  themselves 
alighted  and  doffed  their  arms.  And  these  they  laid  upon 
the  earth  each  close  to  each,  and  there  was  but  small 
space  between.  And  Hector  sent  two  heralds  to  the  city 
with  all  speed,  to  bring  the  lambs,  and  to  call  Priam.  And 


ILIAD  III,  118-150 


53 


lord  Agamemnon  sent  forth  Talthybios  to  go  to  the  hollow 
ships,  and  bade  him  bring  a ram  ; and  he  was  not  disobedient 
to  noble  Agamemnon. 

Now  Iris  went  with  a message  to  white-armed  Helen  in 
the  likeness  of  her  husband’s  sister,  the  spouse  of  Antenor’s 
son,  even  her  that  lord  Helikaon  Antenor’s  son  had  to 
wife,  Laodike  fairest  favoured  of  Priam’s  daughters.  And 
in  the  hall  she  found  Helen  weaving  a great  purple  web  of 
double  fold,  and  embroidering  thereon  many  battles  of 
horse-taming  Trojans  and  mail-clad  Achaians,  that  they 
had  endured  for  her  sake  at  the  hands  of  Ares.  So  fleet- 
footed  Iris  stood  by  her  side  and  said : “ Come  hither, 
dear  sister,  that  thou  mayest  see  the  wondrous  doings  of 
horse-taming  Trojans  and  mail-clad  Achaians.  They  that 
jerst  waged  tearful  war  upon  each  other  in  the  plain,  eager 
for  deadly  battle,  even  they  sit  now  in  silence,  and  the 
aattle  is  stayed,  and  they  lean  upon  their  shields,  and  the 
:all  spears  are  planted  by  their  sides.  But  Alexandros  and 
Menelaos  dear  to  Ares  w'ill  fight  with  their  tall  spears  for 

Ihee ; and  thou  wilt  be  declared  the  dear  wife  of  him  that 
:onqueretbu” 

So  spake  the  goddess,  and  put  into  her  heart  sweet  long 
ng  for  her  former  husband  and  her  city  and  parents. 

Forthwith  she  veiled  her  face  in  shining  linen,  and 
lastened  from  her  chamber,  letting  fall  a round  tear ; not 
inattended,  for  there  followed  with  her  two  handmaidens, 
kithre  daughter  of  Pittheus  and  ox-eyed  Klymene.  Then 
ame  she  straightway  to  the  place  of  the  Skaian  gates.  And 
hey  that  were  with  Priam  and  Panthoos  and  Thymoites 
nd  Lampos  and  Klytios  and  Hiketaon  of  the  stock  o> 
ires,  Oukalegon  withal  and  Antenor,  twain  sages,  being 
Iders  of  the  people,  sat  at  the  Skaian  gates.  These  had 
ow  ceased  from  battle  for  old  age,  yet  were  they  right  good 


54 


ILIAD  III,  151-181 


orators,  like  grasshoppers  that  in  a forest  sit  upon  a tree 
and  utter  their  lily-like1  voice;  even  so  sat  the  elders  of  the 
Trojans  upon  the  tower.  Now  when  they  saw  Helen 
coming  to  the  tower  they  softly  spake  winged  words  one  to 
the  other : “ Small  blame  is  it  that  Trojans  and  well-greaved 
Achaians  should  for  such  a woman  long  time  suffer  hard- 
ships ; marvellously  like  is  she  to  the  immortal  goddesses  to 
look  upon.  Yet  even  so,  though  she  be  so  goodly,  let  her 
go  upon  their  ships  and  not  stay  to  vex  us  and  our  children 
after  us.” 

So  said  they,  and  Priam  lifted  up  his  voice  and  called  to 
Helen  : “ Come  hither,  dear  child,  and  sit  before  me,  that 
thou  mayest  see  thy  former  husband  and  thy  kinsfolk  and 
thy  friends.  I hold  thee  not  to  blame ; nay,  I hold  the  gods 
to  blame  who  brought  on  me  the  dolorous  war  of  the  Achaians 
— so  mayest  thou  now  tell  me  who  is  this  huge  hero,  this 
Achaian  warrior  so  goodly  and  great.  Of  a truth  there  are 
others  even  taller  by  a head ; yet  did  mine  eyes  never  behold 
a man  so  beautiful  nor  so  royal ; for  he  is  like  unto  one  that 
Is  a king.” 

And  Helen,  fair  among  women,  spake  and  answered 
him  : “ Reverend  art  thou  to  me  and  dread,  dear  father  of 
my  lord  ; would  that  sore  death  had  been  my  pleasure  when 
I followed  thy  son  hither,  and  left  my  home  and  my  kinsfolk  1 
and  my  daughter  in  her  girlhood  and  the  lovely  company  of 
mine  age-fellows.  Rut  that  was  not  so,  wherefore  I pine; 
with  weeping.  Now  will  I tell  thee  that  whereof  thou  askest  i 
me  and  enquirest.  This  is  Atreides,  wide-ruling  Agamem- 
non, one  that  is  both  a goodly  king  and  mighty  spearman.  * 
And  he  was  husband’s  brother  to  me,  ah  shameless  me ; if 
ever  such  an  one  there  was.” 

So  said  she,  and  the  old  man  marvelled  at  him,  and  said  '■ 

1 Supposed  to  mean  “delicate  ” or  “ tender.” 


ILIAD  III,  182-215 


55 


“ Ah,  happy  Atreides,  child  of  fortune,  blest  of  heaven  ; now 
know  I that  many  sons  of  the  Achaians  are  subject  to  thee. 
Erewhile  fared  I to  Phrygia,  the  land  of  vines,  and  there  saw 
I that  the  men  of  Phrygia,  they  of  the  nimble  steeds,  were 
very  many,  even  the  hosts  of  Otreus  and  godlike  Mygdon, 
that  were  then  encamped  along  the  banks  of  Sangarios. 
For  I too  being  their  ally  was  numbered  among  them  on 
the  day  that  the  Amazons  came,  the  peers  of  men.  Yet  were 
not  even  they  so  many  as  are  the  glancing-eyed  Achaians.” 

And  next  the  old  man  saw  Odysseus,  and  asked  : “ Corne 
now,  tell  me  of  this  man  too,  dear  child,  who  is  he,  shorter 
by  a head  than  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus,  but  broader  of 
shoulder  and  of  chest  to  behold  ? His  armour  lieth  upon 
the  bounteous  earth,  and  hirnself  like  a bell-wether  rangeth 
the  ranks  of  warriors.  Yea,  I liken  him  to  a thick-fleeced 
ram  ordering  a great  flock  of  white  ewes.” 

Then  Helen  sprung  of  Zeus  made  answer  to  him  : “ Now 
this  is  Laertes’  son,  crafty  Odysseus,  that  was  reared  in  the 
realm  of  Ithaka,  rugged  though  it  be,  and  is  skilled  in  all 
the  ways  of  wile  and  cunning  device.” 

Then  sage  Antenor  made  answer  to  her  : v Lady,  verily 
the  thing  thou  sayest  is  true  indeed,  for  erst  came  goodly 
Odysseus  hither  also  on  an  embassage  for  thee,  in  the  com- 
pany of  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares  ; and  I gave  them  entertain- 
ment and  welcomed  them  in  my  halls,  and  learnt  the  aspect 
of  both  and  their  wise  devices.  Now  when  they  mingled 
with  the  Trojans  in  the  assembly,  while  all  stood  up  Mene- 
laos overpassed  them  all  by  the  measure  of  his  broad 
shoulders  ; but  when  both  sat  down,  Odysseus  was  the  more 
stately.  And  when  they  began  to  weave  the  web  of  words 
and  counsel  in  the  face  of  all,  then  Menelaos  harangued 
fluently,  in  few  words,  but  very  clearly,  seeing  he  was  not 
1 long  of  speech,  neither  random,  though  in  years  he  was  the 


56 


ILIAD  III,  216-248 


younger.  But  whenever  Odysseus  full  of  wiles  rose  up,  he 
stood  and  looked  down,  with  eyes  fixed  upon  the  ground, 
and  waved  not  his  staff  whether  backwards  or  forwards,  but 
held  it  stiff,  like  to  a man  of  no  understanding ; one  would 
deem  him  to  be  churlish,  and  naught  but  a fooL  But  when 
he  uttered  his  great  voice  from  his  chest,  and  words  like 
unto  the  snowflakes  of  winter,  then  could  no  mortal  man 
contend,  with  Odysseus ; then  marvelled  we  not  thus  to 
behold  Odysseus’  aspect.” 

And  thirdly  the  old  man  saw  Aias,  and  asked  : “ Who 
then  is  this  other  Achaian  warrior,  goodly  and  great,  pre- 
eminent among  the  Argives  by  the  measure  of  his  head  and 
broad  shoulders  ?” 

And  long-robed  Helen,  fair  among  women,  answered : 
“ This  is  huge  Aias,  bulwark  of  the  Achaians.  And  on  the 
other  side  amid  the  Cretans  standeth  Idomeneus  like  a god, 
and  about  him  are  gathered  the  captains  of  the  Cretans. 
Oft  did  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares  entertain  him  in  our  house 
whene’er  he  came  from  Crete.  And  now  behold  I all  the 
other  glancing -eyed  Achaians,  whom  well  I could  discern 
and  tell  their  names ; but  two  captains  of  the  host  can  I 
not  see,  even  Kastor  tamer  of  horses  and  Polydeukes  the 
skilful  boxer,  mine  own  brethren,  whom  the  same  mother 
bare.  Either  they  came  not  in  the  company  from  lovely 
Lakedaimon;  or  they  came  hither  indeed  in  their  seafaring 
ships,  but  now  will  not  enter  into  the  battle  of  the  warriors, 
for  fear  of  the  many  scomings  and  revilings  that  are  mine.” 

So  said  she  ; but  them  the  life-giving  earth  held  fast  there 
in  Lakedaimon,  in  their  dear  native  land. 

Meanwhile  were  the  heralds  bearing  through  the  city  the 
holy  oath-offerings,  two  lambs  and  strong-hearted  wine,  the 
fruit  of  the  earth,  in  a goat-skin  bottle.  And  the  herald 
Id&ios  bare  the  shining  bowl  and  golden  cups  ; and  came  to 


ILIAD  III,  249-281 


57 


the  old  man  and  summoned  him  and  said  : “ Rise,  thou  son 
of  Laomedon.  The  chieftains  of  the  horse-taming  Trojans 
and  mail-clad  Achaians  call  on  thee  to  go  down  into  the 
plain,  that  ye  may  pledge  a trusty  oath.  But  Alexandros  and 
Menelaos  dear  to  Ares  will  fight  with  their  long  spears  for  the 
lady's  sake ; and  let  lady  and  treasure  go  with  him  that  shall 
conquer.  And  may  we  that  are  left  pledge  friendship  and 
trusty  oaths  and  dwell  in  deep-soiled  Troy,  and  they  shall 
depart  to  Argos  pasture-land  of  horses  and  Achaia  home  of 
fair  women.” 

So  said  he,  and  the  old  man  shuddered  and  bade  his 
companions  yoke  the  horses ; and  they  with  speed  obeyed. 
Then  Priam  mounted  and  drew  back  the  reins,  and  by  his 
side  Antenor  mounted  the  splendid  chariot  So  the  two 
drave  the  fleet  horses  through  the  Skaian  gates  to  the  plain. 
And  when  they  had  come  even  to  the  Trojans  and  Achaians, 
they  went  down  from  the  chariots  upon  the  bounteous 
earth,  and  marched  into  the  midst  of  Trojans  and  Achaians. 
Then  forthwith  rose  up  Agamemnon  king  of  men,  and  up 
rose  Odysseus  the  man  of  wiles ; and  the  lordly  heralds 
gathered  together  the  holy  oath-offerings  of  the  gods,  and 
mingled  the  wine  in  a bowl,  and  poured  water  over  the 
princes’  hands.  And  Atreides  put  forth  his  hand  and  drew 
his  knife  that  hung  ever  beside  his  sword’s  great  sheath,  and 
cut  the  hair  from  off  the  lambs’  heads  ; and  then  the  heralds 
portioned  it  among  the  chief  of  the  Trojans  and  Achaians. 
Then  in  their  midst  Atreus’  son  lifted  up  his  hands  and 
prayed  aloud:  “Father  Zeus,  that  rulest  from  Ida,  most 
glorious,  most  great,  and  thou  Sun  that  seest  all  things  and 
hearest  all  things,  and  ye  Rivers  and  thou  Earth,  and  ye 
that  in  the  underworld  punish  men  outworn,  whosoever 
sweareth  falsely  ; be  ye  witnesses,  and  watch  over  the  faithful 
oath.  If  Alexandros  slay  Menelaos,  then  let  him  have  Helen 


53 


ILIAD  III,  282-315 


to  himself  and  all  her  possessions ; and  we  will  depart  on  oui 
seafaring  ships.  But  if  golden-haired  Menelaos  slay  Alex- 
andros,  then  let  the  Trojans  give  back  Helen  and  all  her 
possessions  and  pay  the  Argives  the  recompense  that  is 
seemly,  such  as  shall  live  among  men  that  shall  be  here- 
after. But  if  so  be  that  Priam  and  Priam’s  sons  will  not 
pay  the  recompense  unto  me  when  AJexandros  falleth,  then 
will  I fight  on  thereafter  for  the  price  of  sin,  and  abide  here 
till  I compass  the  end  of  war.” 

So  said  he,  and  cut  the  lambs’  throats  with  the  pitiless 
knife.  Them  he  laid  gasping  upon  the  ground,  failing  of 
breath,  for  the  knife  had  taken  their  strength  from  them ; 
and  next  they  drew  the  wine  from  the  bowl  into  the  cups, 
and  poured  it  forth  and  prayed  to  the  gods  that  live  for 
ever.  And  thus  would  say  many  an  one  of  Achaians  and 
Trojans : “ Zeus  most  glorious,  most  great,  and  all  ye  im- 
mortal gods,  which  folk  soe’er  be  first  to  sin  against  the 
oaths,  may  their  brains  be  so  poured  forth  upon  the  earth 
even  as  this  wine,  theirs  and  their  children’s  ; and  let  their 
wives  be  made  subject  unto  strangers.” 

So  spake  they,  but  the  son  of  Kronos  vouchsafed  not 
yet  fulfilment  And  in  their  midst  Priam  of  the  seed  of 
Dardanos  uttered  his  saying  : “ Hearken  to  me,  Trojans  and 
well-greaved  Achaians.  I verily  will  return  back  to  windy 
Ilios,  seeing  that  I can  in  no  wise  bear  to  behold  with  mine 
eyes  my  dear  son  fighting  with  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares.  But 
Zeus  knoweth,  and  all  the  immortal  gods,  for  whether  of  the 
twain  the  doom  of  death  is  appointed.” 

So  spake  the  godlike  man,  and  laid  the  lambs  in  his 
chariot,  and  entered  in  himself,  and  drew  back  the  reins : 
and  by  his  side  Antenor  mounted  the  splendid  chariot 
So  they  departed  back  again  to  Ilios ; and  Hector  son  of 
Priam  and  goodly  Odysseus  first  meted  out  a space,  and 


ILIAD  III,  316-348 


59 


then  they  took  the  lots,  and  shook  them  in  a bronze-bound 
helmet,  to  know  whether  of  the  twain  should  first  cast  his 
spear  of  bronze.  And  the  people  prayed  and  lifted  up  their 
hands  to  the  gods ; and  thus  would  say  many  an  one  of 
Achaians  and  Trojans  : “ Father  Zeus,  that  rulest  from  Ida, 
most  glorious,  most  great ; whichsoe’er  it  be  that  brought 
this  trouble  upon  both  peoples,  vouchsafe  that  he  may  die 
and  enter  the  house  of  Hades  ; that  so  for  us  peace  may  be 
assured  and  trusty  oaths.” 

So  said  they ; and  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  plume 
shook  the  helmet,  looking  behind  him  ; and  quickly  leapt 
forth  the  lot  of  Paris.  Then  the  people  sat  them  down  by 
ranks  where  each  man’s  high-stepping  horses  and  inwrought 
armour  lay.  And  upon  his  shoulders  goodly  Alexandros 
donned  his  beauteous  armour,  even  he  that  was  lord  to 
Helen  of  the  lovely  hair.  First  upon  his  legs  set  he  his 
greaves,  beautiful,  fastened  with  silver  ankle-clasps ; next 
upon  his  breast  he  donned  the  corslet  of  his  brother 
Lykaon,  and  fitted  it  upon  himself.  And  over  his  shoulders 
cast  he  his  silver-studded  sword  of  bronze,  and  then  a shield 
great  and  sturdy.  And  on  his  mighty  head  he  set  a wrought 
helmet  of  horse-hair  crest,  whereover  the  plume  nodded 
terribly,  and  he  took  him  a strong  spear  fitted  to  his  grasp. 
And  in  like  wise  warlike  Menelaos  donned  his  armour. 

So  when  they  had  armed  themselves  on  either  side  in 
the  throng,  they  strode  between  Trojans  and  Achaians, 
fierce  of  aspect,  and  wonder  came  on  them  that  beheld, 
both  on  the  Trojans  tamers  of  horses  and  on  the  well- 
greaved  Achaians.  Then  took  they  their  stand  near  to- 
gether in  the  measured  space,  brandishing  their  spears  in 
wrath  each  against  other.  First  Alexandros  hurled  his  far 
shadowing  spear,  and  smote  on  Atreides’  round  shield ; but 
the  Tironze  brake  not  through,  for  its  point  was  turned  in 


bo 


ILIAD  III,  349-380 


the  stout  shield  Next  Menelaos  son  of  Atreus  lifted  up 
his  hand  to  cast,  and  made  prayer  to  father  Zeus : “ King 
Zeus,  grant  me  revenge  on  him  that  was  first  to  do  me 
wrong,  even  on  goodly  Alexandros,  and  subdue  thou  him 
at  my  hands  ; so  that  many  an  one  of  men  that  shall  be  here- 
after may  shudder  to  wrong  his  host  that  hath  shown  him 
kindness.” 

So  said  he,  and  poised  his  far-shadowing  spear,  and 
hurled,  and  smote  on  the  round  shield  of  the  son  of  Priam. 
Through  the  bright  shield  went  the  ponderous  spear  and 
through  the  inwrought  breastplate  it  pressed  on ; and  straight 
beside  his  flank  the  spear  rent  the  tunic,  but  he  swerved 
and  escaped  black  death.  Then  Atreides  drew  his  silver- 
studded  sword,  and  lifted  up  his  hand  and  smote  the  helmet- 
ridge  ; but  the  sword  shattered  upon  it  into  three,  yea  four, 
and  fell  from  his  hand.  Thereat  Atreides  looked  up  to  the 
wide  heaven  and  cried : “ Father  Zeus,  surely  none  of  the 
gods  is  crueller  than  thou.  Verily  I thought  to  have  gotten 
vengeance  on  Alexandros  for  his  wickedness,  but  now  my 
sword  breaketh  in  my  hand,  and  my  spear  sped  from  my 
grasp  in  vain,  and  I have  not  smitten  him.” 

So  saying,  he  leapt  upon  him  and  caught  him  by  his 
horse -hair  crest,  and  swinging  him  round  dragged  him 
towards  the  well-greaved  Achaians ; and  he  was  strangled 
by  the  embroidered  strap  beneath  his  soft  throat,  drawn 
tight  below  his  chin  to  hold  his  helm.  Now  would  Mene- 
laos have  dragged  him  away  and  won  glory  unspeakable, 
but  that  Zeus’  daughter  Aphrodite  was  swift  to  mark,  and 
tore  asunder  for  him  the  strap  of  slaughtered  ox’s  hide ; so 
the  helmet  came  away  empty  in  his  stalwart  hand  Thereat 
Menelaos  cast  it  with  a swing  toward  the  well-greaved 
Achaians,  and  his  trusty  comrades  took  it  up ; and  himself 
sprang  back  again  eager  to  slay  him  with  spear  of  bronze, 


ILIAD  III,  380-412 


61 


But  Aphrodite  snatched  up  Paris,  very  easily  as  a goddess 
may,  and  hid  him  in  thick  darkness,  and  set  him  down  in 
his  fragrant  perfumed  chamber ; and  herself  went  to  summon 
Helen.  Her  she  found  on  the  high  tower,  and  about  her 
the  Trojan  women  thronged.  So  with  her  hand  she  plucked 
her  perfumed  raiment  and  shook  it  and  spake  to  her  in  the 
likeness  of  an  aged  dame,  a woolcomber  that  was  wont  t© 
work  for  her  fair  wool  when  she  dwelt  in  Lakedaimon, 
whom  too  she  greatly  loved.  Even  in  her  likeness  fa>* 
Aphrodite  spake  : “ Come  hither ; Alexandros  summonetb 
thee  to  go  homeward.  There  is  he  in  his  chamber  and 
inlaid  bed,  radiant  in  beauty  and  vesture  ; nor  wouldst  thou 
deem  him  to  be  come  from  fighting  his  foe,  but  rather  to  be 
faring  to  the  dance,  or  from  the  dance  to  be  just  resting  and 
set  down.” 

So  said  she,  and  stirred  Helen’s  soul  within  her  breast ; 
and  when  now  she  marked  the  fair  neck  and  lovely  breast 
and  sparkling  eyes  of  the  goddess,  she  marvelled  straight- 
way and  spake  a word  and  called  upon  her  name  : “ Strange 
queen,  why  art  thou  desirous  now  to  beguile  me  ? Verily 
thou  wilt  lead  me  further  on  to  some  one  of  the  peopled  cities 
of  Phrygia  or  lovely  Maionia,  if  there  too  thou  hast  perchance 
some  other  darling  among  mortal  men,  because  even  now 
Menelaos  hath  conquered  goodly  Alexandros,  and  will  lead 
me,  accursed  me,  to  his  home.  Therefore  thou  comest 
hither  with  guileful  intent  Go  and  sit  thou  by  his  side, 
and  depart  from  the  way  of  the  gods ; neither  let  thy  feet 
ever  bear  thee  back  to  Olympus,  but  still  be  vexed  for  his 
sake  and  guard  him  till  he  make  thee  his  wife  or  perchance 
his  slave.  But  thither  will  I not  go — that  were  a sinful 
thing — to  array  the  bed  of  him  ; all  the  women  of  Troy  will 
blame  me  hereafter ; and  I have  griefs  untold  within  my 
®onl.” 


62 


ILIAD  III,  412-445 


Then  in  wrath  bright  Aphrodite  spake  to  her  : “ Provoke 
me  not,  rash  woman,  lest  in  mine  anger  I desert  thee,  and 
hate  thee  even  as  now  I love  thee  beyond  measure,  and  lest 
I devise  grievous  enmities  between  both,  even  betwixt  Trojans 
and  Achaians,  and  so  thou  perish  in  evil  wise.” 

So  said  she,  and  Helen  sprung  of  Zeus  was  afraid,  and 
went  wrapped  in  her  bright  radiant  vesture,  silently,  and  the 
Trojan  women  marked  her  not ; and  the  goddess  led  the 
way. 

Now  when  they  were  come  to  the  beautiful  house  of 
Alexandras  the  handmaidens  turned  straightway  to  their 
tasks,  and  the  fair  lady  went  to  the  high-roofed  chamber ; 
and  laughter -loving  Aphrodite  took  for  her  a chair  and 
brought  it,  even  she  the  goddess,  and  set  it  before  the  face 
of  Paris.  There  Helen  took  her  seat,  the  child  of  aegis- 
bearing  Zeus,  and  with  eyes  turned  askance  spake  and  chode 
her  lord : “ Thou  comest  back  from  battle ; would  thou 
hadst  perished  there,  vanquished  of  that  great  warrior  that 
was  my  former  husband.  Verily  it  was  once  thy  boast  that 
thou  wast  a better  man  than  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares,  in  the 
might  of  thine  arm  and  thy  spear.  But  go,  now,  challenge 
Menelaos  dear  to  Ares  to  fight  thee  again  face  to  face.  Nay, 
but  I,  even  I,  bid  thee  refrain,  nor  fight  a fight  with  golden- 
haired  Menelaos  man  to  man,  neither  attack  him  recklessly, 
lest  perchance  thou  fall  to  his  spear  anon.” 

And  Paris  made  answer  to  her  and  said  : “ Chide  not  my 
soul,  lady,  with  cruel  taunts.  For  now  indeed  hath  Menelaos 
vanquished  me  with  Athene’s  aid,  but  another  day  may  I 
do  so  unto  him  ; for  we  too  have  gods  with  us.  But  come 
now,  let  us  have  joy  of  love  upon  our  couch ; for  never  yet 
hath  love  so  enwrapped  my  heart — not  even  then  when  first 
I snatched  thee  from  lovely  L&kedaimon  and  sailed  with 
thee  on  my  seafaring  ships,  and  in  the  isle  of  Kranae  had 


ILIAD  III,  446-461 


63 


converse  with  thee  upon  thy  couch  in  love — as  I love  thee 
now  and  sweet  desire  taketh  hold  upon  me."  So  saying  he 
led  the  way  to  the  couch,  and  the  lady  followed  with  him. 

Thus  laid  they  them  upon  their  fretted  couch ; but 
Atreides  the  while  strode  through  the  host  like  to  a wild 
beast,  if  anywhere  he  might  set  eyes  on  godlike  Alexandros. 
But  none  of  the  Trojans  or  their  famed  allies  could  discover 
Alexandros  to  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares.  Yet  surely  did 
they  in  no  wise  hide  him  for  kindliness,  could  any  have  seen 
him  ; for  he  was  hated  of  all  even  as  black  death.  So 
’Agamemnon  king  of  men  spake  among  them  there : 
“ Hearken  to  me,  Trojans  and  Dardanians  and  allies. 
Now  is  victory  declared  for  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares  ; give  ye 
back  Helen  of  Argos  and  the  possessions  with  her,  and  pay 
ye  the  recompense  such  as  is  seemly,  that  it  may  live  even 
among  men  that  shall  be  hereafter.”  So  said  Atreides,  and 
all  the  Acbaians  gave  assent. 


BOOK  IV. 


How  Pitndaros  wounded  Menelaos  by  treachery  ; and  Agamemnon 
exhorted  his  chief  captains  to  battle. 

Now  the  gods  sat  by  Zeus  and  held  assembly  on  the  golden 
floor,  and  in  the  midst  the  lady  Hebe  poured  them  their 
nectar : they  with  golden  goblets  pledged  one  another,  and 
gazed  upon  the  city  of  the  Trojans.  Then  did  Kronos- 
son  essay  to  provoke  Hera  with  vexing  words,  and  spake 
maliciously  : “ Twain  goddesses  hath  Menelaos  for  his 
helpers,  even  Hera  of  Argos  and  Alalkomenean  Athena 
Yet  these  sit  apart  and  take  their  pleasure  in  behold- 
ing ; but  beside  that  other  ever  standeth  laughter  - loving 
Aphrodite  and  wardeth  off  fate  from  him,  and  now  hath  she 
saved  him  as  he  thought  to  perish.  But  of  a truth  the 
victory  is  to  Menelaos  dear  to  Axes;  so  let  us  take  thought 
how  these  things  shall  be ; whether  once  more  we  shall 
arouse  ill  war  and  the  dread  battle-din,  or  put  friendship 
between  the  foes.  Moreover  if  this  were  welcome  to  all 
and  well  pleasing,  may  the  city  of  king  Priam  yet  be  an 
habitation,  and  Menelaos  take  back  Helen  of  Argos.” 

So  said  he,  but  Athene  and  Hera  murmured  thereat,  who 
were  sitting  by  him  and  devising  ills  for  the  Trojans.  Now 
Athene  held  her  peace  and  said  not  anything,  for  wrath  at 
father  Zeus,  and  fierce  anger  gat  hold  upon  her : but  Hera’s 
breast  contained  not  her  anger,  and  she  spake : “ Most  dread 


ILIAD  IV,  25-58 


65 


son  of  Kronos,  what  word  is  this  thou  hast  spoken  ? How 
hast  thou  the  will  to  make  my  labour  void  and  of  none  effect, 
and  the  sweat  of  my  toil  that  I sweated,  when  my  horses 
were  wearied  with  my  summoning  of  the  host,  to  be  the 
plague  ot  Priam  and  his  sons  ? Do  as  thou  wilt ; but  we 
other  gods  do  not  all  approve  thee.” 

Then  in  sore  anger  Zeus  the  cloud -gatherer  spake  to 
her : “ Good  lack,  how  have  Priam  and  Priam’s  sons  done 
thee  such  great  wrong  that  thou  art  furiously  minded  to  sack 
the  stablished  citadel  of  Ilios?  Perchance  wert  thou  to 
enter  within  the  gates  and  long  walls  and  devour  Priam  raw, 
and  Priam’s  sons  and  all  the  Trojans,  then  mightest  thou 
assuage  thine  anger.  Do  as  thou  art  minded,  only  let  not 
this  quarrel  hereafter  be  to  me  and  thee  a sore  strife  between 
us  both.  And  this  moreover  will  I say  to  thee,  and  do  thou 
lay  it  to  thy  heart;  whene’er  I too  be  of  eager  mind  to  lay 
waste  a city  where  is  the  race  of  men  that  are  dear  to  thee, 
hinder  thou  not  my  wrath,  but  let  me  be,  even  as  I yield  to 
thee  of  free  will,  yet  with  soul  unwilling.  For  of  all  cities 
beneath  sun  and  starry  heaven  that  are  the  dwelling  of 
mortal  men,  holy  Ilios  was  most  honoured  of  my  heart, 
and  Priam  and  the  folk  of  Priam  of  the  good  ashen  spear. 
For  never  did  mine  altar  lack  the  seemly  feast,  even  drink- 
offering  and  burnt-offering,  the  worship  that  is  our  due.” 

Then  Hera  the  ox-eyed  queen  made  answer  to  him : “ Of 
a surety  three  cities  are  there  that  be  dearest  far  to  me, 
Argos  and  Sparta  and  wide-wayed  Mykene  ; these  lay  thou 
waste  whene’er  they  are  found  hateful  to  thy  heart ; not  for 
them  will  I stand  forth,  nor  do  I grudge  thee  them.  For 
even  if  I be  jealous  and  would  forbid  thee  to  overthrow 
them,  yet  will  my  jealousy  not  avail,  seeing  that  thou  art 
stronger  far  than  I.  Still  must  my  labour  too  not  be  made 
of  none  effect ; for  I also  am  a god,  and  my  lineage  is  even 

F 


ILIAD  IV,  59-89 


6fi 

as  thine,  and  Kronos  the  crooked  counsellor  begat  me  to  the 
place  of  honour  in  double  wise,  by  birthright,  and  because  I 
am  named  thy  spouse,  and  thou  art  king  among  all  the 
immortals.  Let  us  indeed  yield  each  to  other  herein,  I to 
thee  and  thou  to  me,  and  the  rest  of  the  immortal  gods  will 
follow  with  us ; and  do  thou  with  speed  charge  Athene  to 
betake  her  to  the  fierce  battle  din  of  Trojans  and  Achaians, 
and  to  essay  that  the  Trojans  may  first  take  upon  them  to 
do  violence  to  the  Achaians  in  their  triumph,  despite  the 
oaths.” 

So  said  she,  and  the  father  of  men  and  gods  disregarded 
not ; forthwith  he  spake  to  Athene  winged  words  : “ Betake 
thee  with  all  speed  to  the  host,  to  the  midst  of  Trojans  and 
Achaians,  and  essay  that  the  Trojans  may  first  take  upon 
them  to  do  violence  to  the  Achaians  in  their  triumph, 
despite  the  oaths.” 

So  spake  he,  and  roused  Athene  that  already  was  set 
thereon ; and  from  Olympus’  heights  she  darted  down.  Even 
as  the  son  of  Kronos  the  crooked  counsellor  sendeth  a star, 
a portent  for  mariners  or  a wide  host  of  men,  bright  shining, 
and  therefrom  are  scattered  sparks  in  multitude ; even  in 
such  guise  sped  Pallas  Athene  to  earth,  and  leapt  into  their 
midst ; and  astonishment  came  on  them  that  beheld,  on 
horse -taming  Trojans  and  well-greaved  Achaians.  And 
thus  would  many  an  one  say,  looking  at  his  neighbour:  “ Of  a 
surety  either  shall  sore  war  and  the  fierce  battle  din  return 
again ; or  else  Zeus  doth  stablish  peace  between  the  foes, 
even  he  that  is  men’s  dispenser  of  battle.” 

Thus  would  many  an  one  of  Achaians  and  Trojans  say. 
Then  the  goddess  entered  the  throng  of  Trojans  in  the 
likeness  of  a man,  even  Antenor’s  son  Laodokos,  a stalwart 
wamoi,  and  sought  for  godlike  Pancj-irps,  if  haply  she  might 
find  him.  Lykaon’s  son  found  she,  the  noble  and  stalwart 


67 


ILIAD  IV,  90-121 

standing,  and  about  him  the  stalwart  ranks  of  the  shield* 
bearing  host  that  followed  him  from  the  streams  of  Aisepos. 
So  she  came  near  and  spake  winged  words : “ Wilt  thou 
now  hearken  to  me,  thou  wise  son  of  Lykaon  ? Then 
wouldst  thou  take  heart  to  shoot  a swift  arrow  at  Menelaos, 
and  wouldst  win  favour  and  glory  before  all  the  Trojans, 
and  before  king  Alexandros  most  of  all.  Surely  from  him 
first  of  any  wouldst  thou  receive  glorious  gifts,  if  perchance 
he  see  Menelaos,  Atreus’  warrior  son,  vanquished  by  thy  dart 
and  brought  to  the  grievous  pyre.  Go  to  now,  shoot  at 
glorious  Menelaos,  and  vow  to  Apollo,  the  son  of  light,1  the 
lord  of  archery,  to  sacrifice  a goodly  hecatomb  of  firstling 
lambs  when  thou  art  returned  to  thy  home,  in  the  city  of 
holy  Zeleia.'’ 

So  spake  Athene,  and  persuaded  his  fool’s  heart  Forth- 
with he  unsheathed  his  polished  bow  of  horn  of  a wild  ibex 
that  he  himself  had  erst  smitten  beneath  the  breast  as  it 
came  forth  from  a rock,  the  while  he  awaited  in  a lurking- 
place  ; and  had  pierced  it  in  the  chest,  so  that  it  fell  back- 
ward on  the  rocL  Now  from  its  head  sprang  there  horns 
of  sixteen  palms ; these  the  artificer,  even  the  worker  in  horn, 
joined  cunningly  together,  and  polished  them  all  well  and 
set  the  tip  of  gold  thereon.  So  he  laid  it  down  when  he 
had  well  strung  it,  by  resting  it  upon  the  ground ; and  his 
staunch  comrades  held  their  shields  before  him,  lest  the 
warrior  sons  of  the  Achaians  should  first  set  on  them,  ere 
Menelaos,  Atreus’  warrior  son,  were  smitten.  Then  opened 
he  the  lid  of  his  quiver  and  took  forth  a feathered  arrow, 
never  yet  shot,  a source  of  grievous  pangs  ; and  anon  he  laid 
the  bitter  dart  upon  the  string  and  vowed  to  Apollo,  the  son 
of  light,  the  lord  of  archery,  to  sacrifice  a goodly  hecatomb 
of  firstling  lambs  when  he  should  have  returned  to  his  home 
1 Or,  perhaps,  “the  Wolf-born.” 


63 


ILIAD  IV,  1 21-15  2 


in  the  city  of  holy  Zeleia.  Then  he  took  the  notch  and 
string  of  oxes’  sinew  together,  and  drew,  bringing  to  his 
breast  the  string,  and  to  the  bow  the  iron  head.  So  when 
he  had  now  bent  the  great  bow  into  a round,  the  horn 
twanged,  and  the  string  sang  aloud,  and  the  keen  arrow 
leapt  eager  to  wing  his  way  amid  the  throng. 

But  the  blessed  gods  immortal  forgat  not  thee,  Mene-  ; 
laos  ; and  before  all  the  daughter  of  Zeus,  the  driver  of  the 
spoil,  who  stood  before  thee  and  warded  off  the  piercing  dart  • 
She  turned  it  just  aside  from  the  flesh,  even  as  a mother  i 
driveth  a fly  from  her  child  that  lieth  in  sweet  slumber; 
and  with  her  own  hand  guided  it  where  the  golden  buckles 
of  the  belt  were  clasped  and  the  doubled  breastplate  met 
them.  So  the  bitter  arrow  lighted  upon  the  firm  belt, 
through  the  inwrought  belt  it  sped  and  through  the  curiously 
wrought  breastplate  it  pressed  on  and  through  the  taslet 1 he 
wore  to  shield  his  flesh,  a barrier  against  darts ; and  this  best 
shielded  him,  yet  it  passed  on  even  through  this.  Then  did 
the  arrow  graze  the  warrior’s  outermost  flesh,  and  forthwith 
the  dusky  blood  flowed  from  the  wound. 

As  when  some  woman  of  Maionia  or  Karia  staineth  ivory 
with  purple,  to  make  a cheek-piece  for  horses,  and  it  is  laid 
up  in  the  treasure  chamber,  and  many  a horseman  prayeth 
for  it  to  wear ; but  it  is  laid  up  to  be  a king’s  boast,  alike  an 
adornment  for  his  horse  and  a glory  for  his  charioteer  ; even 
in  such  wise,  Menelaos,  were  thy  shapely  thighs  stained  with 
blood  and  thy  legs  and  thy  fair  ankles  beneath. 

Thereat  shuddered  Agamemnon  king  of  men  when  he 
saw  the  black  blood  flowing  from  the  wound.  And  Mene- 
laos dear  to  Ares  likewise  shuddered;  but  when  he  saw 
how  thread 2 and  barbs  were  without,  his  spirit  was  gathered 


} An  apron  or  belt  set  with  metal,  worn  below  the  corslet. 
3 By  which  the  iron  head  was  attached  to  the  shaft. 


ILIAD  IV,  153-183 


69 


In  his  breast  again.  Then  lord  Agamemnon  moaned  deep, 
and  spake  among  them,  holding  Menelaos  by  the  hand  ; and 
his  comrades  made  moan  the  while  : “ Dear  brother,  to  thy 
death,  meseemeth,  pledged  I these  oaths,  setting  thee  forth 
to  fight  the  Trojans  alone  before  the  face  of  the  Achaians ; 
seeing  that  the  Trojans  have  so  smitten  thee,  and  trodden 
under  foot  the  trusty  oaths.  Yet  in  no  wise  is  an  oath  0 f 
none  effect,  and  the  blood  of  lambs  and  pure  drink-offerings 
and  the  right  hands  of  fellowship  wherein  we  trusted.  For 
even  if  the  Olympian  bring  not  about  the  fulfilment  forth- 
with, yet  doth  he  fulfil  at  last,  and  men  make  dear  amends, 
even  with  their  own  heads  and  their  wives  and  little  ones. 
Yea  of  a surety  I know  this  in  heart  and  soul ; the  day 
shall  come  for  holy  Ilios  to  be  laid  low,  and  Priam  and  the 
folk  of  Priam  of  the  good  ashen  spear ; and  Zeus  the  son 
of  Kronos  enthroned  on  high,  that  dwelleth  in  the  heaven, 
himself  shall  brandish  over  them  all  his  lowring  aegis,  in 
indignation  at  this  deceit  Then  shall  all  this  not  be  void ; 
yet  shall  I have  sore  sorrow  for  thee,  Menelaos,  if  thou  die 
and  fulfil  the  lot  of  life.  Yea  in  utter  shame  should  I 
return  to  thirsty  Argos,  seeing  that  the  Achaians  will  forth- 
with bethink  them  of  their  native  land,  and  so  should  we 
leave  to  Priam  and  the  Trojans  their  boast,  even  Helen  of 
Argos.  And  the  earth  shall  rot  thy  bones  as  thou  liest  in 
Troy  with  thy  task  unfinished  : and  thus  shall  many  an  over- 
weening Trojan  say  as  he  leapeth  upon  the  tomb  of  glorious 
Menelaos  : ‘ Would  to  God  Agamemnon  might  so  fulfil  his 
wrath  in  every  matter,  even  as  now  he  led  hither  the  host  of 
the  Achaians  for  naught,  and  hath  gone  home  again  to 
his  dear  native  land  with  empty  ships,  and  hath  left  noble 
Menelaos  behind.’  Thus  shall  men  say  hereafter : in  that 
day  let  the  wide  earth  gape  for  me.” 

But  golden-haired  Menelaos  encouraged  him  and  said: 


7° 


ILIAD  IV,  184-216 


“ Be  of  good  courage,  neither  dismay  at  all  the  host  of  the 
Achaians.  The  keen  dart  lighted  not  upon  a deadly  spot  j 
my  glistering  belt  in  front  stayed  it,  and  the  kirtle  of  mail 
beneath,  and  the  taslet  that  the  coppersmiths  fashioned.” 

Then  lord  Agamemnon  answered  him  and  said:  “Would 
it  may  be  so,  dear  Menelaos.  But  the  leech  shall  feel  the 
wound,  and  lay  thereon  drugs  that  shall  assuage  thy  dire 
pangs.” 

So  saying  he  spake  to  godlike  Talthybios,  his  herald : 

“ Talthybios,  with  all  speed  call  Machaon  hither,  the  hero  son 
of  Asklepios  the  noble  leech,  to  see  Menelaos,  Atreus’  warrior 
son,  whom  one  well  skilled  in  archery,  some  Trojan  or 
Lykian,  hath  wounded  with  a bow-shot,  to  his  glory  and  our 
grief.” 

So  said  he,  and  the  herald  heard  him  and  disregarded 
not,  and  went  his  way  through  the  host  of  mail-clad  Achaians 
to  spy  out  the  hero  Machaon.  Him  he  found  standing,  and 
about  him  the  stalwart  ranks  of  the  shield-bearing  host  that 
followed  him  from  Trike,  pasture  land  of  horses.  So  he 
came  near  and  spake  his  winged  words : “ Arise,  thou  son  of 
Asklepios.  Lord  Agamemnon  calleth  thee  to  see  Menelaos,  1 
captain  of  the  Achaians,  whom  one  well  skilled  in  archery, 
some  Trojan  or  Lykian,  hath  wounded  with  a bow-shot,  to  , 
his  glory  and  our  grief.” 

So  saying  he  aroused  his  spirit  in  his  breast,  and  they  1 
went  their  way  amid  the  throng,  through  the  wide  host  of 
the  Achaians.  And  when  they  were  now  come  where  was 
golden-haired  Menelaos  wounded,  and  all  as  many  as  were 
chieftains  gathered  around  him  in  a circle,  the  godlike  hero 
came  and  stood  in  their  midst,  and  anon  drew  forth  the  i 
arrow  from  the  clasped  belt ; and  as  it  was  drawn  forth  the 
keen  barbs  were  broken  backwards.  Then  he  loosed  the 
glistering  belt  and  the  kirtle  of  mail  beneath  and  taslet  that  1 


ILIAD  IV,  217-249 


7i 


the  coppersmiths  fashioned ; and  when  he  saw  the  wound 
where  the  bitter  arrow  had  lighted,  he  sucked  out  the 
blood  and  cunningly  spread  thereon  soothing  drugs,  such  as 
Cheiron  of  his  good  will  had  imparted  to  his  sire. 

While  these  were  tending  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry, 
the  ranks  of  shield-bearing  Trojans  came  on;  so  the  Achaians 
donned  their  arms  again,  and  bethought  them  of  the  fray. 
Now  wouldest  thou  not  see  noble  Agamemnon  slumbering, 
nor  cowering,  nor  unready  to  fight,  but  very  eager  for  glorious 
battle.  He  left  his  horses  and  his  chariot  adorned  with 
bronze  ; and  his  squire,  even  Eurymedon  son  of  Ptolemaios 
Peiraieus’  son,  kept  apart  the  snorting  steeds ; and  he  straitly 
charged  him  to  have  them  at  hand  whenever  weariness 
should  come  upon  his  limbs  with  marshalling  so  many ; and 
thus  on  foot  ranged  he  through  the  ranks  of  warriors.  And 
whomsoever  of  all  the  fleet-horsed  Danaans  he  found 

I eager,  he  stood  by  them  and  by  his  words  encouraged  them : 
“ Ye  Argives,  relax  not  in  any  wise  your  impetuous  valour  ; 
for  father  Zeus  will  be  no  helper  of  liars,  but  as  these  were 
first  to  transgress  against  the  oaths,  so  shall  their  own  tender 
flesh  be  eaten  of  the  vultures,  and  we  shall  bear  away  their 
dear  wives  and  little  children  in  our  ships,  when  once  we 
take  the  stronghold.” 

But  whomsoever  he  found  shrinking  from  hateful  battle, 
these  he  chode  sore  with  angry  words:  “Ye  Argives,  warriors 
of  the  bow,  ye  men  of  dishonour,  have  ye  no  shame  ? Why 
stand  ye  thus  dazed  like  fawns  that  are  weary  with  running 
over  the  long  plain  and  so  stand  still,  and  no  valour  is  found 

Sin  their  hearts  at  all ? Even  thus  stand  ye  dazed,  and  fight 
not  Is  it  that  ye  wait  for  the  Trojans  to  come  near  where 
your  good  ships’  sterns  are  drawn  up  on  the  shore  of  the 
grey  sea,  to  see  if  Kronion  will  stretch  his  arm  over  you 
indeed?” 


72 


ILIAD  IV,  250-280 


So  masterfully  ranged  he  through  the  ranks  of  warriors, 
Then  came  he  to  the  Cretans  as  he  went  through  the  throng 
of  warriors ; and  these  were  taking  arms  around  wise  Ido- 
roeneus ; Idomeneus  amid  the  foremost,  valiant  as  a wild 
boar,  and  Meriones  the  while  was  hastening  his  hinder- 
most  battalions.  Then  Agamemnon  king  of  men  rejoiced 
to  see  them,  and  anon  spake  to  Idomeneus  with  kindly 
words  : “ Idomeneus,  more  than  all  the  fleet-horsed  Danaans 
do  I honour  thee,  whether  in  war  or  in  task  of  other  sort  or 
in  the  feast,  when  the  chieftains  of  the  Argives  mingle  in 
the  bowl  the  gleaming  wine  of  the  counsellors.  For  even 
though  all  the  other  flowing  - haired  Achaians  drink  one 
allotted  portion,  yet  thy  cup  standeth  ever  full  even  as  mine, 
to  drink  as  oft  as  thy  soul  biddeth  thee.  Now  arouse  thee 
to  war  like  such  an  one  as  thou  avowest  thyself  to  be  of  old.” 

And  Idomeneus  the  captain  of  the  Cretans  made  answer 
to  him : “ Atreides,  of  very  truth  will  I be  to  thee  a trusty 
comrade  even  as  at  the  first  I promised  and  gave  my  pledge ; 
but  do  thou  urge  on  all  the  flowing-haired  Achaians,  that  we 
may  fight  with  all  speed,  seeing  the  Trojans  have  disannulled 
the  oaths.  But  for  all  that  death  and  sorrow  hereafter  shall 
be  their  lot,  because  they  were  the  first  to  transgress  against 
the  oaths.” 

So  said  he,  and  Agamemnon  passed  on  glad  at  heart 
Then  came  he  to  the  Aiantes  as  he  went  through  the 
throng  of  warriors ; and  these  twain  were  arming,  and  a 
cloud  of  footmen  followed  with  them.  Even  as  when  a 
goatherd  from  a place  of  outlook  seeth  a cloud  coming 
across  the  deep  before  the  blast  of  the  west  wind ; and  to  him 
being  afar  it  seemeth  ever  blacker,  even  as  pitch,  as  it  goeth 
along  the  deep,  and  bringeth  a great  whirlwind,  and  he 
ehuddereth  to  see  it  and  driveth  his  flock  beneath  a cave ; 
even  in  such  wise  moved  the  serried  battalions  of  young  men, 


ILIAD  IV,  281-313 


73 


the  fosterlings  of  Zeus,  by  the  side  of  the  Aiantes  into  furious 
war,  battalions  dark  of  line,  bristling  with  shields  and 
spears.  And  lord  Agamemnon  rejoiced  to  see  them  and 
spake  to  them  winged  words,  and  said : “ Aiantes,  leaders  of 
the  inail-clad  Argives,  to  you  twain,  seeing  it  is  not  seemly 
to  urge  you,  give  I no  charge ; for  of  your  own  selves  ye  do 
indeed  bid  your  folk  to  fight  amain.  Ah,  father  Zeus 
and  Athene  and  Apollo,  would  that  all  had  like  spirit  in 
iheir  breasts ; then  would  king  Priam’s  city  soon  bow 
captive  and  wasted  beneath  our  hands.” 

So  saying  he  left  them  there,  and  went  to  others.  Then 
found  he  Nestor,  the  clear-voiced  orator  of  the  Pylians, 
arraying  his  comrades,  and  urging  them  to  fight,  around  great 
Pelagon  and  Alastor  and  Chromios  and  lord  Haimon  and 
Bias  shepherd  of  the  host  And  first  he  arrayed  the  horse- 
men with  horses  and  chariots,  and  behind  them  the  footmen 
many  and  brave,  to  be  a bulwark  of  battle;  but  the  cowards 
he  drave  into  the  midst,  that  every  man,  even  though  he 
would  not,  yet  of  necessity  must  fight  First  he  laid  charge 
upon  the  horsemen;  these  he  bade  hold  in  their  horses  nor 
be  entangled  in  the  throng.  “ Neither  let  any  man,  trusting 
in  his  horsemanship  and  manhood,  be  eager  to  fight  the 
Trojans  alone  before  the  rest,  nor  yet  let  him  draw  back, 
for  so  will  ye  be  enfeebled.  But  whensoever  a warrior  from 
the  place  of  his  own  car  can  come  at  a chariot  of  the  foe, 
let  him  thrust  forth  with  his  spear ; even  so  is  the  far  better 
way.  Thus  moreover  did  men  of  old  time  lay  low  cities  and 
walls,  because  they  had  this  mind  and  spirit  in  their 
breasts.” 

So  did  the  old  man  charge  them,  being  well  skilled  of 
yore  in  battles.  And  lord  Agamemnon  rejoiced  to  see  him, 
and  spake  to  him  winged  words,  and  said:  “Old  man,  would 
to  god  that,  even  as  thy  spirit  is  in  thine  own  breast,  thy 


74 


ILIAD  IV,  31 4-347 


iimbs  might  obey  and  thy  strength  be  unabated  But  the 
common  lot  of  age  is  heavy  upon  thee ; would  that  it  had 
come  upon  some  other  man,  and  thou  wert  amid  the 
young.” 

Then  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  answered  him : 
“ Atreides,  I verily,  even  I too,  would  wish  to  be  as  on  the 
day  when  I slew  noble  Ereuthalion.  But  the  gods  in  no 
wise  grant  men  all  things  at  once.  As  I was  then  a youth, 
so  doth  old  age  now  beset  me.  Yet  even  so  will  I abide 
among  the  horsemen  and  urge  them  by  counsel  and  words ; 
for  that  is  the  right  of  elders.  But  the  young  men  shall 
wield  the  spear,  they  that  are  more  youthful  than  I and  have 
confidence  in  their  strength.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Atreides  passed  on  glad  at  heart  He 
found  Menestheus  the  charioteer,  the  son  of  Peteos,  standing 
still,  and  round  him  were  the  Athenians,  masters  of  the 
battle-cry.  And  hard  by  stood  crafty  Odysseus,  and  round 
about  him  the  ranks  of  Kephallenians,  no  feeble  folk,  stood 
still ; for  their  host  had  not  yet  heard  the  battle-cry,  seeing  the 
battalions  of  horse-taming  Trojans  and  Achaians  had  but  just 
bestirred  them  to  move ; so  these  stood  still  tarrying  till  some 
other  column  of  the  Achaians  should  advance  to  set  upon 
the  Trojans  and  begin  the  battle.  But  when  Agamemnon 
king  of  men  saw  it,  he  upbraided  them,  and  spake  to  them 
winged  words,  saying:  “O  son  of  king  Peteos  fosterling  of 
Zeus,  and  thou  skilled  in  evil  wiles,  thou  cunning  of  mind, 
why  stand  ye  shrinking  apart,  and  tarry  for  others?  You 
beseemeth  it  to  stand  in  your  place  amid  the  foremost  and 
to  front  the  fiery  battle;  for  ye  are  the  first  to  hear  my 
bidding  to  the  feast,  as  oft  as  we  Achaians  prepare  a feast 
for  the  counsellors.  Then  are  ye  glad  to  eat  roast  meat  and 
drink  your  cups  of  honey-sweet  wine  as  long  as  ye  will 
But  now  would  ye  gladly  behold  it,  yea,  if  ten  columns  of 


ILIAD  IV,  348-377 


75 

Achaians  in  front  of  you  were  fighting  with  the  pitiless 
sword.” 

But  Odysseus  of  many  counsels  looked  fiercely  at  him  and 
said : “ Atreides,  what  word  is  this  that  hath  escaped  the 
barrier  of  thy  lips?  How  sayest  thou  that  we  are  slack  in 
battle?  When  once  our1  Achaians  launch  furious  war  on  the 
Trojans,  tamers  of  horses,  then  shalt  thou,  if  thou  wilt,  and 
if  thou  hast  any  care  therefor,  behold  Telemachos’  dear 
father  mingling  with  the  champions  of  the  Trojans,  the 
tamers. of  horses.  But  that  thou  sayest  is  empty  as  air.” 

Then  lord  Agamemnon  spake  to  him  smiling,  seeing 
how  he  was  wroth,  and  took  back  his  saying : “ Heaven- 
sprung  son  of  Laertes,  Odysseus  full  of  devices,  neither  do 
I chide  thee  beyond  measure  nor  urge  thee;  for  I know 
that  thy  heart  within  thy  breast  is  kindly  disposed ; for  thy 
thoughts  are  as  my  thoughts.  Go  to,  we  will  make  amends 
hereafter,  if  any  ill  word  hath  been  spoken  now;  may  the 
gods  bring  it  all  to  none  effect” 

So  saying  he  left  them  there  and  went  on  tc  others.  The 
son  of  Tydeus  found  he,  high-hearted  Diomedes,  stand- 
1 ing  still  with  horses  and  chariot  well  compact  ; and  by  him 
stood  Sthenelos  son  of  Kapaneus.  Him  lord  Agamem- 
non saw  and  upbraided,  and  spake  to  him  winged  words, 
and  said : “ Ah  me,  thou  son  of  wise  Tydeus  tamer  of 
horses,  why  shrinkest  thou,  why  gazest  thou  at  the  highways 
1 of  the  battle?  Not  thus  was  Tydeus  wont  to  shrink,  but 
rather  to  fight  his  enemies  far  in  front  of  his  dear  com- 
rades, as  they  say  that  beheld  him  at  the  task  ; for  never  did 
I meet  him  nor  behold  him,  but  men  say  that  he  was  pre- 
' eminent  amid  all.  Of  a truth  he  came  to  Mykene,  not  in 
enmity,  but  as  a guest  with  godlike  Polyneikes,  to  raise  him 

1 Or,  “that  we  are  slack  in  battle,  when  once  we  Achaians,” 
putting  the  note  of  interrogation  after  “ tamers  of  horse?  ’* 


76 


ILIAD  IV,  378-409 


an  army  for  the  war  that  they  were  levying  against  the  holy 
walls  of  Thebes ; and  they  besought  earnestly  that  valiant 
allies  might  be  given  them,  and  our  folk  were  fain  to  grant 
them  and  made  assent  to  their  entreaty,  only  Zeus  showed 
omens  of  ill  and  turned  their  minds.  So  when  these  were 
departed  and  were  come  on  their  way,  and  had  attained  to 
Asopos  deep  in  rushes,  that  maketh  his  bed  in  grass,  there 
did  the  Achaians  appoint  Tydeus  to  be  their  ambassador 
So  he  went  and  found  the  multitude  of  the  sons  of  Kadmos 
feasting  in  the  palace  of  mighty  Eteokles.  Yet  was  knightly 
Tydeus,  even  though  a stranger,  not  afraid,  being  alone  amid 
the  multitude  of  the  Kadmeians,  but  challenged  them  all  to 
feats  of  strength,  and  in  every  one  vanquished  he  them 
easily ; so  present  a helper  was  Athene  unto  him.  But  the 
Kadmeians,  the  urgers  of  horses,  were  wroth,  and  as  he 
fared  back  again  they  brought  and  set  a strong  ambush, 
even  fifty  young  men,  whose  leaders  were  twain,  Maion  son 
of  Haimon,  like  to  the  immortals,  and  Autophonos’  son 
Polyphontes  staunch  in  battle.  Still  even  on  these  Tydeus 
brought  shameful  death ; he  slew  them  all,  save  one  that  he 
sent  home  alone ; Maion  to  wit  he  sent  away  in  obedience 
to  the  omens  of  heaven.  Such  was  Tydeus  of  Aitolia ; 
but  be  begat  a son  that  in  battle  is  worse  than  he  ; only  in 
harangue  is  he  the  better.” 

So  said  he,  and  stalwart  Diomedes  made  no  answer,  but 
had  respect  to  the  chiding  of  the  king  revered.  But  the 
son  of  glorious  Kapaneus  answered  him : “ Atreides,  utter 
not  falsehood,  seeing  thou  knowest  how  to  speak  truly.  We 
avow  ourselves  to  be  better  men  by  far  than  our  fathers 
were : we  did  take  the  seat  of  Thebes  the  seven  gated, 
though  we  led  a scantier  host  against  a stronger  wall,  because 
we  followed  the  omens  of  the  gods  and  the  salvation  ol 
Zeus ; but  they  perished  by  their  own  iniquities.  Do  no! 


ILIAD  IV,  410-440  77 

thou  therefore  in  any  wise  have  our  fathers  in  like  honour 
with  us.” 

But  stalwart  Diomedes  looked  sternly  at  him,  and  said : 
“ Brother,  sit  silent  and  obey  my  saying.  I grudge  not  that 
Agamemnon  shepherd  of  the  host  should  urge  on  the  well- 
greaved  Achaians  to  fight ; for  him  the  glory  will  attend  if 
the  Achaians  lay  the  Trojans  low  and  take  holy  Ilios;  and 
his  will  be  the  great  sorrow  if  the  Achaians  be  laid  low. 
Go  to  now,  let  us  too  bethink  us  of  impetuous  valour.” 

He  sp^ke  and  leapt  in  his  armour  from  the  chariot  to 
earth,  and  terribly  rang  the  bronze  upon  the  chieftain’s  breast 
I as  he  moved ; thereat  might  fear  have  come  even  upon  one 
stout-hearted. 

As  when  on  the  echoing  beach  the  sea-wave  lifteth  up 
itself  in  close  array  before  the  driving  of  the  west  wind ; out 
on  the  deep  doth  it  first  raise  its  head,  and  then  breaketh 
upon  the  land  and  belloweth  aloud  and  goeth  with  arching 
crest  about  the  promontories,  and  speweth  the  foaming  brine 
afar ; even  so  in  close  array  moved  the  battalions  of  the 
Danaans  without  pause  to  battle.  Each  captain  gave  his 
men  the  word,  and  the  rest  went  silently ; thou  wouldest  not 
deem  that  all  the  great  host  following  them  had  any  voice 
within  their  breasts;  in  silence  feared  they  their  captains. 
On  every  man  glittered  the  inwrought  armour  wherewith 
they  went  clad.  But  for  the  Trojans,  like  sheep  beyond 
number  that  stand  in  the  courtyard  of  a man  of  great  sub- 
stance, to  be  milked  of  their  white  milk,  and  bleat  without 
ceasing  to  hear  their  lambs’  cry,  even  so  arose  the  clamour  of 
the  Trojans  through  the  wide  host.  For  they  had  not  all  Uke 
speech  nor  one  language,  but  their  tongues  were  mingled, 
and  they  were  brought  from  many  lands.  These  were  urged 
on  of  Ares,  and  those  of  bright-eyed  Athene,  and  Terror 
and  Rout,  and  Strife  whose  fury  wearieth  not,  sister  and 


73 


ILIAD  IV,  441-473 


friend  of  murderous  Ares ; her  crest  is  but  lowly  at  the 
first,  but  afterward  she  holdeth  up  her  head  in  heaven  and 
her  feet  walk  upon  the  earth.  She  now  cast  common  dis- 
cord in  their  midst,  as  she  fared  through  the  throng  and 
made  the  lamentation  of  men  to  wax. 

Now  when  they  were  met  together  and  come  unto  one 
spot,  then  clashed  they  targe  and  spear  and  fury  of  bronze- 
clad  warrior ; the  bossed  shields  pressed  each  on  each  and 
mighty  din  arose.  Then  were  heard  the  voice  of  groaning 
and  the  voice  of  triumph  together  of  the  slayers  and  the 
slain,  and  the  earth  streamed  with  blood.  As  when  two 
winter  torrents  flow  down  the  mountains  to  a watersmeet 
and  join  their  furious  flood  within  the  deep  ravine  from 
their  great  springs,  and  the  shepherd  heareth  the  roaring 
far  off  among  the  hills : even  so  from  the  joining  of  battle 
came  there  forth  shouting  and  travail.  ^ Antilochos  first  slew 
a Trojan  warrior  in  full  array,  valiant  amid  the  champions, 
Echepolos  son  of  Thalysios ; him  was  he  first  to  smite  upon 
the  ridge  of  his  crested  helmet,  and  he  drave  the  spear  into 
his  brow  and  the  point  of  bronze  passed  within  the  bone ; 
darkness  clouded  his  eyes,  and  he  crashed  like  a tower  amid 
the  press  of  fight  As  he  fell  lord  Elephenor  caught  him  by 
the  foot,  Chalkodon’s  son,  captain  of  the  great-hearted 
Abantes,  and  dragged  him  from  beneath  the  darts,  eager 
with  all  speed  to  despoil  him  of  his  armour.  Yet  but  for 
a little  endured  his  essay;  great-hearted  Agenor  saw  him 
baling  away  the  corpse,  and  where  his  side  was  left  uncovered 
of  his  buckler  as  he  bowed  him  down,  there  smote  he 
him  with  bronze-tipped  spear-shaft  and  unstrung  his  limbs. 
So  his  life  departed  from  him,  and  over  his  corpse  the  task 
of  Trojans  and  Achaians  grew  hot;  like  wolves  leapt  they 
one  at  another,  and  man  lashed  at  man. 

Next  Telamonian  Aias  smote  Anthemion’s  son,  the  lusty 


ILIAD  IV,  474-507 


79 


stripling  Simoeisioe,  whom  erst  his  mother  bare  beside  the 
banks  of  Simoeis  on  the  way  down  from  Ida  whither  she  had 
followed  with  her  parents  to  see  their  flocks.  Therefore 
they  called  him  Simoeisios,  but  he  repaid  not  his  dear 
parents  the  recompense  of  his  nurture ; scanty  was  his  span 
of  life  by  reason  of  the  spear  of  great-hearted  Aias  that  laid 
him  low.  For  as  he  went  he  first  was  smitten  on  his  right 
breast  beside  the  pap ; straight  through  his  shoulder  passed 
the  spear  of  bronze,  and  he  fell  to  the  ground  in  the  dust 
like  a poplar-tree,  that  hath  grown  up  smooth  in  the  lowland 
of  a great  marsh,  and  its  branches  grow  upon  the  top  there- 
of ; this  hath  a wainwright  felled  with  gleaming  steel,  to 
bend  him  a felloe  for  a goodly  chariot,  and  so  it  lies  drying 
by  a river’s  banks.  In  such  fashion  did  heaven-sprung  Aias 
slay  Simoeisios  son  of  Anthemion ; then  at  him  Antiphos 
of  the  glancing  corslet,  Priam’s  son,  made  a cast  with  his 
keen  javelin  across  the  throng.  Him  he  missed,  but  smote 
Odysseus’  valiant  comrade  Leukos  in  the  groin  as  he  drew 
the  corpse  his  way,  so  that  he  fell  upon  it  and  the  body 
dropped  from  his  hands.  Then  Odysseus  was  very  wroth 
at  heart  for  the  slaying  of  him,  and  strode  through  the  fore- 
i front  of  the  battle  harnessed  in  flashing  bronze,  and  went  and 
stood  hard  by  and  glanced  around  him,  and  cast  his  bright 
javelin;  and  the  Trojans  shrank  before  the  casting  of  the 
hero.  He  sped  not  the  dart  in  vain,  but  smote  Demokoon, 
Priam’s  bastard  son  that  had  come  to  him  from  tending  his 
fleet  mares  in  Abydos.  Him  Odysseus,  being  wroth  for  his 
comrade’s  sake,  smote  with  his  javelin  on  one  temple ; and 
through  both  temples  passed  the  point  of  bronze,  and  dark- 
ness clouded  his  eyes,  and  he  fell  with  a crash  and  his 
armour  clanged  upon  him.  Then  the  forefighters  and 
glorious  Hector  yielded,  and  the  Argives  shouted  aloud, 
and  drew  the  bodies  unto  them,  and  pressed  yet  further 


So 


ILIAD  IV,  507-536 


onward.  But  Apollo  looked  down  from  Pergamos,  and 
had  indignation,  and  with  a shout  called  to  the  Tro- 
jans: '‘Arise,  ye  Trojans,  tamers  of  horses;  yield  not 
to  the  Argives  in  fight ; not  of  stone  nor  iron  is  their 
flesh,  that  it  should  resist  the  piercing  bronze  when  they 
are  smitten.  Moreover  Achilles,  son  of  Thetis  of  the  fair 
tresses,  fighteth  not,  but  amid  the  ships  broodeth  on  his 
bitter  anger.” 

So  spake  the  dread  god  from  the  city ; and  the  Achaians 
likewise  were  urged  on  of  Zeus’  daughter  the  Triton-bom, 
most  glorious,  as  she  passed  through  the  throng  wheresoever  . 
she  beheld  them  slackening. 

Next  was  Diores  son  of  Amarynkeus  caught  in  the  snare 
of  fate ; for  he  was  smitten  by  a jagged  stone  on  the  right 
leg  hard  by  the  ankle,  and  the  caster  thereof  was  captain  of 
the  men  of  Thrace,  Peiroos  son  of  Imbrasos  that  had  come 
from  Ainos.  The  pitiless  stone  crushed  utterly  the  two 
sinews  and  the  bones ; back  fell  he  in  the  dust,  and  stretched 
out  both  his  hands  to  his  dear  comrades,  gasping  out  his 
soul.  Then  he  that  smote  him,  even  Peiroos,  sprang  at 
him  and  pierced  him  with  a spear  beside  the  navel ; so  all  ■ 
his  bowels  gushed  forth  upon  the  ground,  and  darkness 
clouded  his  eyes.  But  even  as  Peiroos  departed  from  him 
Thoas  of  Aitolia  smote  with  a spear  his  chest  above  the 
pap,  and  the  point  fixed  in  his  lung.  Then  Thoas  came 
close,  and  plucked  out  from  his  breast  the  ponderous  spear, 
and  drew  his  sharp  sword,  wherewith  he  smote  his  belly  in 
the  midst,  and  took  his  life.  Yet  he  stripped  not  off  his 
armour;  for  his  comrades,  the  men  of  Thrace  that  wear  the 
top-knot,  stood  around,  their  long  spears  in  their  hands,  and 
albeit  he  was  great  and  valiant  and  proud  they  drave  him 
off  from  them  and  he  gave  ground  reeling.  So  were  the 
two  captains  stretched  in  the  dust  side  by  side,  he  of  the 


ILIAD  IV,  537-544 


81 


Thracians  and  he  of  the  mail-clad  Epeians ; and  around 
them  were  many  others  likewise  slain. 

Now  would  none  any  more  enter  in  and  make  light  of  the 
battle,  could  it  be  that  a man  yet  unwounded  by  dart  or  thrust 
of  keen  bronze  might  roam  in  the  midst,  being  led  of  Pallas 
Athene  by  the  hand,  and  by  her  guarded  from  the  flying 
shafts.  For  many  Trojans  that  day  and  many  Achaians 
were  laid  side  by  side  upon  their  faces  in  the  dust 


o 


BOOK  V. 


How  Dlorr.edes  by  his  great  valour  made  havoc  of  the  Trojans,  sad 
wounded  even  Aphrodite  and  Ares  by  the  help  of  Athene. 

But  now  to  Tydeus’  son  Diomedes  Pallas  Athene  gave 
might  and  courage,  for  him  to  be  pre-eminent  amid  all  the 
Argives  and  win  glorious  renown.  She  kindled  flame  un- 
wearied from  his  helmet  and  shield,  like  to  the  star  ol 
summer  that  above  all  others  glittereth  bright  after  he  hath 
bathed  in  the  ocean  stream.  In  such  wise  kindled  she 
flame  from  his  head  and  shoulders  and  sent  him  into  the 
midst,  where  men  thronged  the  thickest. 

Now  there  was  amid  the  Trojans  one  Dares,  rich  and 
noble,  priest  of  Hephaistos ; and  he  had  two  sons,  Phegeus 
and  Idaios,  well  skilled  in  all  the  art  of  battle.  These 
separated  themselves  and  assailed  him  face  to  face,  they 
setting  on  him  from  their  car  and  he  on  foot  upon  the 
ground.  And  when  they  were  now  come  near  in  onset  on 
each  other,  first  Phegeus  hurled  his  far-shadowing  spear; 
and  over  Tydeides’  left  shoulder  the  spear  point  passed,  and 
smote  not  his  body.  Then  next  Tydeides  made  a spear- 
cast,  and  the  javelin  sped  not  from  his  hand  in  vain,  but 
smote  his  breast  between  the  nipples,  and  thrust  him  from 
the  chariot.  So  Idaios  sprang  away,  leaving  his  beautiful  car, 
and  dared  not  to  bestride  his  slain  brother ; else  had  neither 
he  himself  escaped  black  fate : but  Hephaistos  guarded 


ILIAD  V,  23-55 


83 


him  and  saved  him  in  a veil  of  darkness,  that  he  might  not 
have  his  aged  priest  all  broken  with  sorrow.  And  the  son  of 
great-hearted  Tydeus  drave  away  the  horses  and  gave  them 
to  his  men  to  take  to  the  hollow  ships.  But  when  the 
great-hearted  Trojans  beheld  the  sons  of  Dares,  how  one 
was  fled,  and  one  was  slain  beside  his  chariot,  the  spirit  of 
all  was  stirred  But  bright -eyed  Athene  took  impetuous 
Ares  by  the  hand  and  spake  to  him  and  said : “ Ares,  Ares, 
blood-stained  bane  of  mortals,  thou  stormer  of  walls,  can 
we  not  now  leave  the  Trojans  and  Achaians  to  fight,  on 
whichsoever  it  be  that  father  Zeus  bestoweth  glory  ? But 
let  us  twain  give  place,  and  escape  the  wrath  of  Zeus.” 

So  saying  she  led  impetuous  Ares  from  the  battle.  Then 
she  made  him  sit  down  beside  loud  Skamandros,  and  the 
Danaans  pushed  the  Trojans  back.  Each  one  of  the  captains 
slew  his  man;  first  Agamemnon  king  of  men  thrust  from 
his  chariot  the  lord  of  the  Halizonians,  great  Odios;  for  as  he 
first  turned  to  flight  Agamemnon  thrust  his  dart  into  his 
back  between  his  shoulders,  and  drave  it  through  his  breast 
And  he  fell  with  a crash,  and  his  armour  clanged  upon 
,him. 

And  Idomeneus  slew  Phaistos  son  of  Boros  the  Maionian, 
:hat  came  from  deep-soiled  Tarne.  Him  in  the  act  to  mount 
upon  his  car  spear-famed  Idomeneus  pierced  with  his  long 
iart  through  his  right  shoulder;  and  he  fell  from  the  car  and 
rateful  darkness  gat  hold  of  him. 

Him  then  Idomeneus’  squires  despoiled;  and  Skamandrios, 
ion  of  Strophios,  cunning  in  the  chase,  fell  to  the  keen-pointed 
;pear  of  Menelaos  son  of  Atreus;  even  he  the  mighty  hunter, 
vhom  Artemis  herself  had  taught  to  shoot  all  manner  of  wild 
hings  that  the  mountain  forest  breedeth.  But  now  did 
Vrcher  Artemis  avail  him  naught  nor  all  his  marksmanship 
rherein  of  old  time  he  excelled : but  spear  famed  Menelaoc 


34 


ILIAD  V,  56-87 


son  of  Atreus  smote  him  with  his  dart  as  he  fled  before  him, 
in  his  back  [between  his  shoulders,  and  pierced  through  his 
breast].  So  he  fell  prone  and  his  armour  clanged  upon 
him. 

And  Meriones  slew  Phereklos,  son  of  Tekton  Harmon’s 
son,  whose  hands  were  cunning  to  make  all  manner  ol 
curious  work;  for  Pallas  Athene  loved  him  more  than  all 
men.  He  likewise  built  Alexandras  the  trim  ships,  source 
of  ills,  that  were  made  the  bane  of  all  the  Trojans  and  of 
himself,  because  he  knew  not  the  oracles  of  heaven.  Him 
Meriones  pursued,  and  overtaking  him  smote  him  in  the 
right  buttock,  and  right  through  passed  the  point  straight 
to  the  bladder  beneath  the  bone ; and  he  fell  to  his  knees 
with  a cry,  and  death  overshadowed  him. 

Then  Meges  slew  Pedaios  Antenor’s  son,  that  was  a 
bastard;  yet  goodly  Theano  nurtured  him  carefully  like  to 
her  own  children,  to  do  her  husband  pleasure.  To  him 
Phyleus’  spear-famed  son  came  near,  and  with  keen  dart 1 
smote  him  upon  the  sinew  of  the  head;  and  right  through 
amid  the  teeth  the  point  of  bronze,  cleft  the  tongue’s  root. 
So  he  fell  in  the  dust,  and  bit  the  cold  bronze  with  his  teeth. 

And  by  Eurypylos,  Euaimon’s  son,  noble  Hypsenor  son 
of  high-hearted  Dolopion  that  was  appointed  Skamandros' 
priest  and  like  to  a god  was  held  in  honour  of  the  folk — by 
Eurypylos  Euaimon’s  glorious  son,  he  as  he  fled  before  him 
was  pursued  and  smitten  on  the  shoulder  with  a sword-thrust, 
and  his  heavy  arm  was  shorn  away.  All  bleeding  the  arm 
fell  upon  the  earth;  and  over  his  eyes  came  gloomy  death 
and  forceful  fate. 

A 

So  laboured  these  in  the  violent  mellay;  but  of  Tydeides 
man  could  not  tell  with  whom  he  were  joined,  whether  he 
consorted  with  Trojans  or  with  Achaians.  For  he  stormed 
across  the  plain  like  a winter  torrent  at  the  full,  that  in  swift 


ILIAD  V,  88-11$ 


85 


course  scattereth  the  causeys ; neither  can  the  long  lines 
of1  causeys  hold  it  in,  nor  the  fences  of  fruitful  orchards 
stay  its  sudden  coming  when  the  rain  of  heaven  driveth  it ; 
and  so  before  it  perish  in  multitudes  the  fair  works  of  the 
sons  of  men.  Thus  before  Tydeides  the  serried  battalions 
of  the  Trojans  were  overthrown,  and  they  abode  him  not  for 
all  they  were  so  many. 

But  when  Lykaon’s  glorious  son  marked  him  storming 
across  the  plain,  overthrowing  battalions  before  him,  anon 
he  bent  his  crooked  bow  against  Tydeides,  and  smote  him 
as  he  sped  onwards,  hitting  hard  by  his  right  shoulder  the 
plate  of  his  corslet;  the  bitter  arrow  flew  through  and  held 
straight  upon  its  way,  and  the  corslet  was  dabbled  with 
blood.  Over  him  then  loudly  shouted  Lykaon’s  glorious  son : 
“Bestir  you,  great-hearted  Trojans,  urgers  of  horses;  the  best 
man  of  the  Achaians  is  wounded,  and  I deem  that  he  shall 
not  for  long  endure  the  violent  dart,  if  verily  the  king,  the 
son  of  Zeus,2  sped  me  on  my  way  from  Lykia.” 

So  spake  he  boasting;  yet  was  the  other  not  vanquished 
of  the  swift  dart,  only  he  gave  place  and  stood  before  his 
horses  and  his  chariot  and  spake  to  Sthenelos  son  of 
Kapaneus:  “Haste  thee,  dear  son  of  Kapaneus;  descend 
from  thy  chariot,  to  draw  me  from  my  shoulder  the  bitter 
arrow.” 

So  said  he,  and  Sthenelos  leapt  from  his  chariot  to  earth 
and  stood  beside  him  and  drew  the  swift  shaft  right  through, 
out  of  his  shoulder ; and  the  blood  darted  up  through  the 
pliant  tunic.  Then  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  prayed 
thereat:  “Hear  me,  daughter  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  unwearied 
maiden!  If  ever  in  kindly  mood  thou  stoodest  by  my 
father  in  the  heat  of  battle,  even  so  now  be  thou  likewise 
; kind  to  me,  Athene.  Grant  me  to  slay  this  man,  and  bring 

1 Reading  itpiUrat,  with  Artstarrhoa.  * Apollo. 


86 


ILIAD  V,  1 19-149 


within  my  spear-cast  him  that  took  advantage  to  shoot  me, 
and  boasteth  over  me,  deeming  that  not  for  long  shall  I see 
the  bright  light  of  the  sun.” 

So  spake  he  in  prayer,  and  Pallas  Athene  heard  him, 
and  made  his  limbs  nimble,  his  feet  and  his  hands  withal, 
and  came  near  and  spake  winged  words : “ Be  of  good 
courage  now,  Diomedes,  to  fight  the  Trojans ; for  in  thy 
breast  I have  set  thy  father’s  courage  undaunted,  even  as  it 
was  in  knightly  Tydeus,  wielder  of  the  buckler.  Moreover 
I have  taken  from  thine  eyes  the  mist  that  erst  was  on 
them,  that  thou  mayest  well  discern  both  god  and  man. 
Therefore  if  any  god  come  hither  to  make  trial  of  thee, 
fight  not  thou  face  to  face  with  any  of  the  immortal  gods; 
save  only  if  Aphrodite  daughter  of  Zeus  enter  into  the 
battle,  her  smite  thou  with  the  keen  bronze.” 

So  saying  bright-eyed  Athene  went  her  way  and  Tydeides 
returned  and  entered  the  forefront  of  the  battle;  even  though 
erst  his  soul  was  eager  to  do  battle  with  the  Trojans,  yet 
now  did  threefold  courage  come  upon  him,  as  upon  a lion 
whom  some  shepherd  in  the  field  guarding  his  fleecy  sheep 
hath  wounded,  being  sprung  into  the  fold,  yet  hath  not 
vanquished  him;  he  hath  roused  his  might,  and  then  cannot 
beat  him  back,  but  lurketh  amid  the  steading,  and  his  for- 
saken flock  is  affrighted;  so  the  sheep  are  cast  in  heaps,  one 
upon  the  other,  and  the  lion  in  his  fury  leapeth  out  of  the 
high  fold;  even  so  in  fury  mingled  mighty  Diomedes  with 
the  Trojans. 

There  slew  he  Astynoos  and  Hypeiron  shepherd  of  the 
host ; the  one  he  pierced  above  the  nipple  with  his  bronze- 
shod  dart,  the  other  with  his  great  sword  upon  the  collar- 
bone beside  the  shoulder  he  smote,  and  severed  the  shoulder 
from  neck  and  back.  Them  left  he  there,  and  pursued  after 
Abas  and  Polvidos,  sons  of  old  Eurydamas  dreamer  of  dreams; 


ILIAD  V,  150-178 


87 


yet  discerned  he  no  dreams  for  them  when  they  went,1  but 
stalwart  Diomedes  despoiled  them.  Then  went  he  after 
Xanthos  and  Thoon,  sons  of  Phainops,  striplings  both ; but 
their  father  was  outworn  of  grievous  age,  and  begat  no  other 
son  for  his  possessions  after  him.  Then  Diomedes  slew 
them  and  bereft  the  twain  of  their  dear  life,  and  for  their 
father  left  only  lamentation  and  sore  distress,  seeing  he  wel- 
comed them  not  alive  returned  from  battle ; and  kinsmen 
divided  his  substance. 

Then  caught  he  two  sons  of  Priam  of  the  seed  of  Dar- 
danos,  riding  in  one  chariot,  Echemmon  and  Chromios.  As 
a lion  leapeth  among  the  kine  and  breaketh  the  neck  of  cow 
or  heifer  grazing  in  a woodland  pasture,  so  Tydeus’  son 
thrust  in  ill  wise  from  their  chariot  both  of  them  unwilling, 
and  thereafter  despoiled  them  of  their  arms ; and  the  horses 
gave  he  to  his  comrades  to  drive  them  to  the  ships. 

Him  Aineias  beheld  making  havoc  of  the  ranks  of 
warriors,  and  went  his  way  along  the  battle  and  amid  the 
hurtling  of  spears,  seeking  godlike  Pandaros,  if  haply  he 
might  find  him.  Lykaon’s  son  he  found,  the  noble  and 
stalwart,  and  stood  before  his  face,  and  spake  a word  unto 
him.  “ Pandaros,  where  now  are  thy  bow  and  thy  winged 
arrows,  and  the  fame  wherein  no  man  of  this  land  rivalleth 
thee,  nor  any  in  Lykia  boasteth  to  be  thy  better  ? Go  to 
now,  lift  thy  hands  in  prayer  to  Zeus  and  shoot  thy  dart  at 
this  fellow,  whoe’er  he  be  that  lordeth  it  here  and  hath 
already  wrought  the  Trojans  much  mischief,  seeing  he  hath 
unstrung  the  knees  of  many  a brave  man ; if  indeed  it  be 
not  some  god  wroth  with  the  Trojans,  in  anger  by  reason 
of  sacrifices ; the  wrath  of  god  is  a sore  thing  to  fall  on 
men.”2 

!!  1 Or,  “ yet  came  they  not  home  for  him  to  discern  dreams  for  them.” 

* Or.,  “and  the  wrath  of  the  gods  be  heavy  upon  us.  ” 


83 


ILIAD  V,  179-2x5 


And  Lykaon’s  glorious  son  made  answer  to  him : 

“ Aineias,  counsellor  of  the  mail-clad  Trojans,  in  everything 
liken  I him  to  the  wise  son  of  Tydeus ; I discern  him  by  his 
shield  and  crested  helmet,  and  by  the  aspect  of  his  horses  , 
yet  know  I not  surely  if  it  be  not  a god.  But  if  it  be  the 
man  I deem,  even  the  wise  son  of  Tydeus,  then  not  without 
help  of  a god  is  he  thus  furious,  but  some  immortal  standeth 
beside  him  with  a cloud  wrapped  about  his  shoulders  and 
turned  aside  from  him  my  swift  dart  even  as  it  lighted.  For 
already  have  I shot  my  dart  at  him  and  smote  his  right 
shoulder  right  through  the  breastplate  of  his  corslet,  yea  and 
I thought  to  hurl  him  headlong  to  Aidoneus,  yet  I van- 
quished him  not ; surely  it  is  some  wrathful  god.  And  I 
have  no  steeds  at  hand  nor  any  chariot  whereon  to  mount — 
yet  in  Lykaon’s  halls  are  eleven  fair  chariots,  new  wrought, 
with  gear  all  fresh,  and  cloths  spread  over  them ; and  beside 
each  standeth  a yoke  of  horses,  champing  white  barley  and 
spelt.  Moreover  Lykaon  the  aged  spearman  at  my  depart-  ' 
ing  laid  instant  charge  upon  me  in  our  well-builded  house ; 
he  bade  me  mount  horse  and  chariot  to  lead  the  Trojans  in 
the  violent  mellay ; but  I obeyed  him  not — far  better  had 
that  been  1 — but  spared  the  horses  lest  in  the  great  crowd  of 
men  they  should  lack  fodder  that  had  been  wont  to  feed 
their  fill.  Therefore  I left  them  and  am  come  on  foot  to  Ilios,,  ! 
trusting  to  my  bow ; and  now  must  my  bow  not  help  me  i I 
Already  have  I aimed  at  two  princes,  Tydeus’  and  Atreus1 
sons,  and  both  I smote  and  surely  drew  forth  blood,  yet  only 
roused  them  the  more.  Therefore  in  an  evil  hour  I took 
from  the  peg  my  curved  bow  on  that  day  when  I led  my 
Trojans  to  lovely  Ilios,  to  do  noble  Hector  pleasure.  But  if 
I return  and  mine  eyes  behold  my  native  land  and  wife  and 
great  palace  lofty -roofed,  then  may  an  alien  forthwith  cut  I 
tny  head  from  me  if  I break  not  this  bow  with  mine  hands  I 


ILIAD  V,  216-249  89 

and  cast  it  upon  the  blazing  fire ; worthless  is  its  service  to 
me  as  air.” 

Then  Aineias  captain  of  the  Trojans  answered  him: 
'*  Nay,  talk  not  thus ; naught  shall  be  mended  before  that 
we  with  horses  and  chariot  have  gone  to  face  this  man,  and 
made  trial  of  him  in  arms.  Come  then,  mount  upon  mj 
car  that  thou  mayest  see  of  what  sort  are  the  steeds  of  Tros, 
well  skilled  for  following  or  for  fleeing  hither  or  thither  very 
fleetly  across  the  plain ; they  will  e’en  bring  us  to  the  city 
safe  and  sound,  even  though  Zeus  hereafter  give  victory  to 
Diomedes  son  of  Tydeus.  Come  therefore,  take  thou  the  lash 
and  shining  reins,  and  I will  stand  upon  the  car  to  fight  j1 
or  else  withstand  thou  him,  and  to  the  horses  will  I look.” 

To  him  made  answer  Lykaon’s  glorious  son:  “Aineias, 
take  thou  thyself  the  reins  and  thine  own  horses;  better 
will  they  draw  the  curved  car  for  their  wonted  charioteer,  if 
perchance  it  hap  that  we  must  flee  from  Tydeus’  son;  lest 
they  go  wild  for  fear  and  will  not  take  us  from  the  fight,  for 
lack  of  thy  voice,  and  so  the  son  of  great-hearted  Tydeus 
attack  us  and  slay  us  both  and  drive  away  the  whole-hooved 
horses.  So  drive  thou  thyself  thy  chariot  and  thy  horses, 
and  I will  await  his  onset  with  my  keen  spear.”  So  saying 
mounted  they  upon  the  well-dight  chariot,  and  eagerly 
drave  the  fleet  horses  against  Tydeides.  And  Sthenelos, 
the  glorious  son  of  Kapaneus,  saw  them,  and  anon  spake  to 
Tydeides  winged  words:  “ Diomedes  son  of  Tydeus,  dear  to 
mine  heart,  I behold  two  stalwart  warriors  eager  to  fight 
against  thee,  endued  with  might  beyond  measure.  The 
one  is  well  skilled  in  the  bow,  even  Pandaros,  and  he 
moreover  boasteth  him  to  be  Lykaon’s  son  ; and  Aineias 
boasteth  himself  to  be  bom  son  of  great-hearted  Anchises, 
and  his  mother  is  Aphrodite.  Come  now,  let  us  give  place 
* Reading  hrifiiiaonax.  with  Zeoodoto&. 


90 


ILIAD  V,  250-281 


upon  the  chariot,  neither  rage  thou  thus,  I pray  thee,  in  the 
forefront  of  battle,  lest  perchance  thou  lose  thy  life.” 

Then  stalwart  Diomedes  looked  sternly  at  him  and  said : 
“ Speak  to  me  no  word  of  flight,  for  I ween  that  thou  shalt 
not  at  all  persuade  me ; not  in  my  blood  is  it  to  fight  a skulk- 
ing fight  or  cower  down ; my  force  is  steadfast  still.  I have 
no  mind  to  mount  the  chariot,  nay,  even  as  I am  will  I go  to 
face  them  j Pallas  Athene  biddeth  me  not  be  afraid.  And 
as  for  these,  their  fleet  horses  shall  not  take  both  back  from 
us  again,  even  if  one  or  other  escape.  And  this  moreovei 
tell  I thee,  and  lay  thou  it  to  heart : if  Athene  rich  in  counsel 
grant  me  this  glory,  to  slay  them  both,  then  refrain  thou 
here  these  my  fleet  horses,  and  bind  the  reins  tight  to  the 
chariot  rim ; and  be  mindful  to  leap  upon  Aineias’  horses, 
and  drive  them  forth  from  the  Trojans  amid  the  well-greaved 
Achaians.  For  they  are  of  that  breed  whereof  farseeing1 
Zeus  gave  to  Tros  recompense  for  Ganymede  his  child, 
because  they  were  the  best  of  all  horses  beneath  the  day- 
light and  the  sun.  That  blood  Anchises  king  of  men  stole 
of  Laomedon,  privily  putting  mares  to  them.  Thereof  a 
stock  was  born  him  in  his  palace,  even  six ; four  kept  he 
himself  and  reared  them  at  the  stall,  and  the  other  twain 
gave  he  to  Aineias  deviser  of  rout.2  Them  could  we  seize, 
we  should  win  us  great  renown.” 

In  such  wise  talked  they  one  to  the  other,  and  anon  those 
other  twain  came  near,  driving  their  fleet  horses.  First  to 
him  spake  Lykaon’s  glorious  son  : “ O thou  strong-souled 
and  cunning,  son  of  proud  Tydeus,  verily  my  swift  dart 
vanquished  thee  not,  the  bitter  arrow ; so  now  will  I make 
trial  with  my  spear  if  I can  hit  thee.” 

He  spake  and  poised  and  hurled  his  far-shadowing  spear, 
and  smote  upon  Tydeides’  shield ; right  through  it  sped  the 

1 Or,  “Zeus  of  the  far-bome  voice.”  a Reading 


ILIAD  V,  282-314 


9r 


point  of  bronze  and  reached  the  breastplate.  So  over  him 
shouted  loudly  Lykaon’s  glorious  son  : “ Thou  art  smitten 
on  the  belly  right  through,  and  I ween  thou  shalt  not  long 
hold  up  thine  head ; so  thou  givest  me  great  renown.” 

But  mighty  Diomedes  unaffrighted  answered  him  : “ Thou 
hast  missed,  and  not  hit;  but  ye  twain  I deem  shall  not 
cease  till  one  or  other  shall  have  fallen  and  glutted  with 
blood  Ares  the  stubborn  god  of  war.” 

So  spake  he  and  hurled;  and  Athene  guided  the  dart 
upon  his  nose  beside  the  eye,  and  it  pierced  through  his 
white  teeth.  So  the  hard  bronze  cut  through  his  tongue  at 
the  root  and  the  point  issued  forth  by  the  base  of  the  chin. 
He  fell  from  his  chariot,  and  his  splendid  armour  gleaming 
clanged  upon  him,  and  the  fleet-footed  horses  swerved 
aside ; so  there  his  soul  and  strength  were  unstrung. 

Then  Aineias  leapt  down  with  shield  and  long  spear, 
fearing  lest  perchance  the  Achaians  might  take  from  him 
the  corpse;  and  strode  over  him  like  a lion  confident  in  his 
strength,  and  held  before  him  his  spear  and  the  circle  of  his 
shield,  eager  to  slay  whoe’er  should  come  to  face  him,  crying 
his  terrible  cry.  Then  Tydeides  grasped  in  his  hand  a 
stone — a mighty  deed — such  as  two  men,  as  men  now  are, 
would  not  avail  to  lift ; yet  he  with  ease  wielded  it  all  alone. 
Therewith  he  smote  Aineias  on  the  hip  where  the  thigh 
tumeth  in  the  hip-joint,  and  this  men  call  the  “cup-bone.” 
So  he  crushed  his  cup-bone,  and  brake  both  sinews  withal, 
and  the  jagged  stone  tore  apart  the  skin.  Then  the  hero 
stayed  fallen  upon  his  knees  and  with  stout  hand  leant  upon 
the  earth ; and  the  darkness  of  night  veiled  his  eyes.  And 
now  might  Aineias  king  of  men  have  perished,  but  that 
Aphrodite  daughter  of  Zeus  was  swift  to  mark,  even  his 
mother  that  conceived  him  by  Anchises  as  he  tended  the 
kine.  About  her  dear  son  wound  she  her  white  arms,  and 


92 


ILIAD  V,  3x5-347 


spread  before  his  face  a fold  of  her  radiant  vesture,  to  be  a 
covering  from  the  darts,  lest  any  of  the  fleet-horsed  Danaans 
might  hurl  the  spear  into  his  breast  and  take  away  his  life. 

So  was  she  bearing  her  dear  son  away  from  battle ; but 
the  son  of  Kapaneus  forgat  not  the  behest  that  Diomedes 
of  the  loud  war-cry  had  laid  upon  him ; he  refrained  his 
own  whole-hooved  horses  away  from  the  tumult,  binding  the 
reins  tight  to  the  chariot-rim,  and  leapt  on  the  sleek-coated 
horses  of  Aineias,  and  drave  them  from  the  Trojans  to  the 
well-greaved  Achaians,  and  gave  them  to  Deipylos  his  dear 
comrade  whom  he  esteemed  above  all  that  were  his  age- 
fellows,  because  he  was  like-minded  with  himself ; and  bade 
him  drive  them  to  the  hollow  ships.  Then  did  the  hero 
mount  his  own  chariot  and  take  the  shining  reins  and  forth 
with  drive  his  strong-hooved  horses  in  quest  of  Tydeides, 
eagerly.  Now  Tydeides  had  made  onslaught  with  pitiless 
weapon  on  Kypris,"  knowing  how  she  was  a coward  god- 
dess and  none  of  those  that  have  mastery  in  battle  of  the 
warriors — no  Athene  she  nor  Enyo  waster  of  cities.  Now 
when  he  had  pursued  her  through  the  dense  throng  and  come 
on  her,  then  great-hearted  Tydeus’  son  thrust  with  his  keen 
spear,  and  leapt  on  her  and  wounded  the  skin  of  her  weak 
hand ; straight  through  the  ambrosial  raiment  that  the  Graces 
themselves  had  woven  her  pierced  the  dart  into  the  flesh, 
above  the  springing  of  the  palm.  Then  flowed  the  goddess’s 
immortal  blood,  such  ichor  as  floweth  in  the  blessed  gods  j 
for  they  eat  no  bread  neither  drink  they  gleaming  wine, 
wherefore  they  are  bloodless  and  are  named  immortals.  ; 
And  she  with  a great  cry  let  fall  her  son  : him  Phoebus 
Apollo  took  into  his  arms  and  saved  him  in  a dusky  cloud, 
lest  any  of  the  fleet-horsed  Danaans  might  hurl  the  spear 
into  his  breast  and  take  away  his  life.  But  over  her 

1 Aphrodite. 


ILIAD  V,  348-379 


93 


Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  shouted  afar : “ Refrain  thee, 
thou  daughter  of  Zeus,  from  war  and  fighting.  Is  it  not 
enough  that  thou  beguilest  feeble  women  ? But  if  in  battle 
thou  wilt  mingle,  verily  I deem  that  thou  shalt  shudder  at 
the  name  of  battle,  if  thou  hear  it  even  afar  off.” 

So  spake  he,  and  she  departed  in  amaze  and  was  sore 
troubled  : and  wind-footed  Iris  took  her  and  led  her  from  the 
throng  tormented  with  her  pain,  and  her  fair  skin  was 
stained  There  found  she  impetuous  Ares  sitting,  on  the 
battle’s  left ; and  his  spear  rested  upon  a cloud,  and  his 
fleet  steeds.  Then  she  fell  on  her  knees  and  with  instant 
prayer  besought  of  her  dear  brother  his  golden-frontleted 
steeds : “ Dear  brother,  save  me  and  give  me  thy  steeds, 
that  I may  win  to  Olympus,  where  is  the  habitation  of  the 
immortals.  Sorely  am  I afflicted  with  a wound  wherewith  a 
mortal  smote  me,  even  Tydeides,  who  now  would  fight  even 
with  father  Zeus.” 

So  spake  she,  and  Ares  gave  her  his  golden-frontleted 
steeds:  and  she  mounted  on  the  chariot  sore  at  heart  By 
her  side  mounted  Iris,  and  in  her  hands  grasped  the  reins 
and  lashed  the  horses  to  start  them;  and  they  flew  onward 
nothing  loth.  Thus  soon  they  came  to  the  habitation  of  the 
gods,  even  steep  Olympus.  There  wind-footed  fleet  Iris 
loosed  the  horses  from  the  chariot  and  stabled  them,  and 
set  ambrosial  forage  before  them;  but  fair  Aphrodite  fell 
upon  Dione’s  knees  that  was  her  mother.  She  took  her 
daughter  in  her  arms  and  stroked  her  with  her  hand,  and 
spake  and  called  upon  her  name:  “Who  now  of  the  sons  of 
heaven,  dear  child,  hath  entreated  thee  thus  wantonly,  as 
though  thou  wert  a wrong-doer  in  the  face  of  all  ? ” 

Then  laughter-loving  Aphrodite  made  answer  to  her : 
" Tydeus’  son  wounded  me,  high-hearted  Diomedes,  because 
I was  saving  from  the  battle  my  dear  son  Aineias,  who  to 


94 


ILIAD  Y,  380-410 


me  is  dearest  far  of  all  menu  For  no  more  is  the  fierce 
battle-cry  for  Trojans  and  Achaians,  but  the  Danaans  now 
are  fighting  even  the  immortals.” 

Then  the  fair  goddess  Dione  answered  her:  “Be  of  good 
heart,  my  child,  and  endure  for  all  thy  pain ; for  many  of  us 
that  inhabit  the  mansions  of  Olympus  have  suffered  through 
men,  in  bringing  grievous  woes  one  upon  another.  So 
suffered  Ares,  when  Otos  and  stalwart  Ephialtes,  sons  of 
Aloeus,  bound  him  in  a strong  prison-house;  yea  in  a vessel 
of  bronze  lay  he  bound  thirteen  months.  ) Then  might  Ares 
insatiate  of  battle  have  perished,  but  that  the  step-mother 
of  Aloeus’  sons,  fair  Eeriboia,  gave  tidings  to  Hermes,  and 
he  stole  away  Ares,  already  pining ; for  the  grievous  prison- 
house  was  wearing  him  out  So  suffered  Hera  when 
Amphitryon’s  stalwart  son  smote  her  on  the  right  breast  with  a 
three-barbed  arrow,  so  that  pain  unassuageable  gat  hold  of  her 
likewise.  So  suffered  awful  Hades  a swift  arrow  like  the  rest, 
when  this  same  man,  the  son  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  smote 
him  in  Pylos1  amid  the  dead  and  gave  him  over  to  anguish. 
And  he  went  to  the  mansion  of  Zeus  and  to  high  Olympus, 
grieved  at  heart,  pierced  through  with  anguish ; for  the 
aiTow  was  driven  into  his  stout  shoulder,  and  vexed  his  souL 
But  Paieon  spread  soothing  drugs  upon  the  wound  and 
healed  him ; seeing  that  verily  he  was  of  no  mortal  substance. 
Headstrong  man  and  violent  of  deed,  that  recked  not  of  his 
evil  doings,  and  with  his  archery  vexed  the  gods  that  dwell 
in  Olympus  ! So  upon  thee  was  this  man  sent  by  the  bright- 
eyed goddess  Athene ; fond  man — for  the  heart  of  Tydeus’ 
son  knoweth  not  this,  that  he  of  a surety  is  not  long- 
lived  that  fighteth  with  immortals,  nor  ever  do  his  children 
prattle  upon  his  knees  at  his  returning  from  war  and  terrible 
fray.  Therefore  now  let  Tydeides,  though  he  be  very 
1 Or,  “ at  the  gate  of  hell,”  according  to  Aristarchos. 


ILIAD  V,  41 1-443 


95 


mighty,  beware  lest  one  better  than  thou  encounter  him  ; 
and  so  Aigialeia,  wise  daughter  of  Adrestos,  wake  from  sleep 
with  lamentations  all  her  household,  bewailing  her  wedded 
lord,  the  best  man  of  the  Achaians,  even  she  that  is  the 
brave  wife  of  horse-taming  Diomedes.” 

So  saying  with  both  hands  she  wiped  the  ichor  from 
the  arm;  her  arm  was  comforted,  and  the  grievous  pangs 
assuaged.  But  Athene  and  Hera  beheld,  and  with  bitter 
words  provoked  Zeus  the  son  of  Kronos.  Of  them  was  the 
bright-eyed  goddess  Athene  first  to  speak  : “ Father  Zeus, 
wilt  thou  indeed  be  wroth  with  me  whate’er  I say  ? Verily  I 
ween  that  Kypris  was  urging  some  woman  of  Achaia  to 
join  her  unto  the  Trojans  whom  she  so  marvellously  loveth; 
md  stroking  such  an  one  of  the  fair-robed  women  of  Achaia, 
she  tore  upon  the  golden  brooch  her  delicate  hand." 

So  spake  she,  and  the  father  of  gods  and  men  smiled,  and 
called  unto  him  golden  Aphrodite  and  said : “Not  unto 
thee,  my  child,  are  given  the  works  of  war;  but  follow  thou 
after  the  loving  tasks  of  wedlock,  and  to  all  these  things 
shall  fleet  Ares  and  Athene  look.” 

j 

Now  while  they  thus  spake  in  converse  one  with  the  other, 
Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  leapt  upon  Aineias,  knowing 
lull  well  that  Apollo  himself  had  spread  his  arms  over  him ; 
?et  reverenced  he  not  even  the  great  god,  but  still  was 
:ager  to  slay  Aineias  and  strip  from  him  his  glorious  armour. 
5o  thrice  he  leapt  on  him,  fain  to  slay  him,  and  thrice 
Apollo  beat  back  his  glittering  shield.  And  when  the  fourth 
ime  he  sprang  at  him  like  a god,  then  Apollo  the  Far-darter 
pake  to  him  with  terrible  shout:  “Think,  Tydeides,  and 
hrink,  nor  desire  to  match  thy  spirit  with  gods;  seeing  there 
|j;;  no  comparison  of  the  race  of  immortal  gods  and  of  men 
fiat  walk  upon  the  earth.” 

So  said  he,  and  Tydeides  shrank  a short  space  back- 


9<5 


ILIAD  V,  444-476 


wards,  to  avoid  the  wrath  of  Apollo  the  Far-darter.  Then 
Apollo  set  Aineias  away  from  the  throng  in  holy  Pergamos 
where  his  temple  stood.  There  Leto  and  Archer  Artemis 
healed  him  in  the  mighty  sanctuary,  and  gave  him  glory; 
but  Apollo  of  the  silver  bow  made  a wraith  like  unto  Aineias’ 
self,  and  in  such  armour  as  his  ; and  over  the  wraith  Trojans 
and  goodly  Achaians  each  hewed  the  others’  bucklers  on 
their  breasts,  their  round  shields  and  fluttering  targes. 

Then  to  impetuous  Ares  said  Phoebus  Apollo : “ Ares, 
Ares,  blood-stained  bane  of  mortals,  thou  stormer  of  walls, 
wilt  thou  not  follow  after  this  man  and  withdraw  him  from  ; 
the  battle,  this  Tydeides,  who  now  would  fight  even  with 
father  Zeus  ? First  in  close  fight  he  wounded  Kypris  in 
her  hand  hard  by  the  wrist,  and  then  sprang  he  upon  my- 
self like  unto  a god.” 

So  saying  he  sate  himself  upon  the  height  of  Pergamos, 
and  baleful  Ares  entered  among  the  Trojan  ranks  and  aroused 
them  in  the  likeness  of  fleet  Akamas,  captain  of  the  Thrac- 
ians. On  the  heaven-nurtured  sons  of  Priam  he  called 
saying : “ O ye  sons  of  Priam,  the  heaven-nurtured  king,  how 
long  will  ye  yet  suffer  your  host  to  be  slain  of  the  Achaians  ? 
Shall  it  be  even  until  they  fight  about  our  well-builded 
gates  ? Low  lieth  the  warrior  whom  we  esteemed  like  unto 
goodly  Hector,  even  Aineias  son  of  Anchises  great  of  heart. 
Go  to  now,  let  us  save  from  the  tumult  our  valiant 
comrade.” 

So  saying  he  aroused  the  spirit  and  soul  of  every  man 
Thereat  Sarpedon  sorely  chode  noble  Hector : “ Hector, 
where  now  is  the  spirit  gone  that  erst  thou  hadst  ? Thou 
saidst  forsooth  that  without  armies  or  allies  thou  wouldest 
hold  the  city,  alone  with  thy  sisters’  husbands  and  thy 
brothers ; but  now  can  I not  see  any  of  these  neither  per- 
ceive them,  but  they  are  cowering  like  hounds  about  a lion; 


ILIAD  V,  477-509 


97 


and  we  are  fighting  that  are  but  allies  among  you.  Yea  I 
being  an  ally  am  come  from  very  far ; far  off  is  Lykia  upon 
eddying  Xanthos,  where  I left  my  dear  wife  and  infant  son, 
and  left  my  great  wealth  that  each  one  coveteth  that  is  in 
need.  Yet  for  all  that  I urge  on  my  Lykians,  and  myself 
am  eager  to  fight  my  man,  though  here  is  naught  of  mine 
such  as  the  Achaians  might  plunder  or  harry.  But  thou 
standest,  nay  thou  dost  not  even  urge  all  thine  hosts  to 
abide  and  guard  their  wives.  Only  beware  lest,  as  though 
tangled  in  meshes  of  all-ensnaring  flax,  ye  be  made  unto 
your  foemen  a prey  and  a spoil ; and  they  will  soon  lay  waste 
your  well-peopled  city.  Thee  it  behoveth  to  give  thought 
to  all  these  things  both  by  night  and  day,  and  to  beseech 
the  captains  of  thy  far-famed  allies  to  hold  on  unflinchingly; 
and  so  shaft  thou  put  away  their  sore  rebuking  from  thee.” 

So  spake  Sarpedon,  and  his  word  stung  Hector  to  the 
heart.  Forthwith  he  leapt  from  his  chariot  in  his  armour 
to  the  earth,  and  brandishing  two  keen  spears  went  every- 
where through  the  host,  urging  them  to  fight,  and  roused 
the  dread  battle-cry.  So  they  were  rallied  and  stood  to  face 
the  Achaians : and  the  Argives  withstood  them  in  close 
array  and  fled  not.  Even  as  a wind  carrieth  the  chaff  about 
the  sacred  threshing-floors  when  men  are  winnowing,  what 
time  golden -haired  Demeter  in  rush  of  wind  maketh  divi- 
sion of  grain  and  chaff,  and  so  the  chaff-heaps  grow  white — 
so  now  grew  the  Achaians  white  with  falling  dust  which  in 
their  midst  the  horses’  hooves  beat  up  into  the  brazen 
heaven,  as  fight  was  joined  again,  and  the  charioteers 
wheeled  round.  Thus  bare  they  forward  the  fury  of  their 
hands:  and  impetuous  Ares  drew  round  them  a veil  of 
night  to  aid  the  Trojans  in  the  battle,1  ranging  every- 
where ; so  fulfilled  he  the  behest  of  Phoebus  Apollo  of  the 

1 Or,  drew  round  the  battle  a veil  of  night  to  help  the  Trojans. 

H 


98 


ILIAD  V,  509-540 


golden  sword,  who  bade  him  rouse  the  Trojans’  spirit  when 
he  beheld  Pallas  Athene  departed ; for  she  was  helper  to  the 
Danaans.  And  Apollo  himself  sent  forth  Aineias  from  his 
rich  sanctuary  and  put  courage  in  the  heart  of  him,  shepherd 
of  the  hosts.  So  Aineias  took  his  place  amid  his  comrades, 
and  they  were  glad  to  see  him  come  among  them  alive  and 
sound  and  full  of  valiant  spirit  Yet  they  questioned  him 
not  at  all,  for  all  the  toil  forbade  them  that  the  god  of  the 
silver  bow  was  stirring  and  Ares  bane  of  men  and  Strife 
raging  insatiably. 

And  on  the  other  side  the  two  Aiantes  and  Odysseus  and 
Diomedes  stirred  the  Danaans  to  fight ; yet  these  of  them- 
selves feared  neither  the  Trojans’  violence  nor  assaults,  but 
stood  like  mists  that  Kronos’  son  setteth  in  windless  air  on 
the  mountain  tops,  at  peace,  while  the  might  of  the  north 
wind  sleepeth  and  of  all  the  violent  winds  that  blow  with 
keen  breath  and  scatter  apart  the  shadowing  clouds.  Even 
so  the  Danaans  withstood  the  Trojans  steadfastly  and  fled 
not  And  Atreides  ranged  through  the  throng  exhorting 
instantly:  “ My  friends,  quit  you  like  men  and  take  heart  of 
courage,  and  shun  dishonour  in  one  another’s  eyes  amid  the 
stress  of  battle.  Of  men  that  shun  dishonour  more  are  saved 
than  slain,  but  for  them  that  flee  is  neither  glory  found  nor 
any  safety.” 

So  saying  he  darted  swiftly  with  his  javelin  and  smote  a 
foremost  warrior,  even  great-hearted  Aineias’  comrade  De'i- 
koon  son  of  Pergasos,  whom  the  Trojans  held  in  like  honour 
with  Priam’s  sons,  because  he  was  swift  to  do  battle  amid 
the  foremost  Him  lord  Agamemnon  smote  with  his  dart 
upon  the  shield,  and  it  stayed  not  the  spear,  but  the  point 
passed  through,  so  that  he  drave  it  through  the  belt  into  hia 
nethermost  belly  : and  he  fell  with  a crash  and  his  armour 
clanged  upon  him. 


ILIAD  V,  541-574 


99 


Then  did  Aineias  slay  two  champions  of  the  Danaans, 
even  the  sons  of  Diokles,  Krethon  and  Orsilochos,  whose 
father  dwelt  in  stablished  Phere,  a man  full  of  substance, 
whose  lineage  was  of  the  river  Alpheios,  that  floweth  in 
broad  stream  through  the  land  of  the  Pylians  ; Alpheios  begat 
Orsilochos  to  be  king  of  many  men,  and  Orsilochos  begat 
great-hearted  Diokles,  and  of  Diokles  were  born  twin  sons, 
even  Krethon  and  Orsilochos,  well  skilled  in  all  the  ways 
of  war.  Now  when  these  were  of  full  age,  they  bare  the 
Argives  company  on  their  black  ships  to  Ilios  home  of 
horses,  to  win  recompense  for  Atreus’  sons,  Agamemnon 
and  Menelaos ; but  now  the  issue  of  death  shrouded  them 
about  Like  them,  two  lions  on  the  mountain  tops  are 
nurtured  by  their  dam  in  the  deep  forest  thickets ; and 
these  harry  the  kine  and  goodly  sheep  and  make  havoc 
of  the  farmsteads  of  men,  till  in  their  turn  they  too  are  slain 
at  men’s  hands  with  the  keen  bronze ; in  such  wise  were 
these  twain  vanquished  at  Aineias’  hands  and  fell  like  tall 
pine-trees. 

But  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares  had  pity  of  them  in  their 
fall,  and  strode  through  the  forefront,  harnessed  in  flashing 
bronze,  brandishing  his  spear ; and  Ares  stirred  his  courage, 
with  intent  that  he  might  fall  beneath  Aineias’  hand.  But 
Antilochos,  great-hearted  Nestor’s  son,  beheld  him,  and 
strode  through  the  forefront ; because  he  feared  exceedingly 
for  the  shepherd  of  the  host,  lest  aught  befall  him  and 
disappoint  them  utterly  of  their  labour.  So  those  two  were 
now  holding  forth  their  hands  and  sharp  spears  each  against 
the  other,  eager  to  do  battle ; when  Antilochos  came  and 
stood  hard  by  the  shepherd  of  the  host  But  Aineias  faced 
them  not,  keen  warrior  though  he  was,  when  he  beheld  two 
men  abiding  side  by  side ; so  these  haled  away  the  corpses 
to  the  Achaians’  host  and  laid  the  hapless  twain  in  their 


ioo  ILIAD  V,  575-605 

comrades’  arms,  and  themselves  turned  back  and  fought  on 
amid  the  foremost 

Then  slew  they  Pylaimenes,  peer  cf  Ares,  captain  of  the 
great-hearted  Paphlagonians  bearers  of  the  shield.  Him  as 
he  stood  still  Atreus’  son,  spear-famed  Menelaos,  pierced 
with  his  javelin,  smiting  upon  the  collar-bone ; and  Antilo- 
chos  hurled  at  Mydon,  his  squire  and  charioteer,  Atymnios’ 
brave  son,  even  as  he  was  wheeling  the  wkole-hooved  horses, 
and  with  a stone  smote  his  elbow  in  the  midst ; so  the  reins 
white  with  ivory  fell  from  his  hands  to  earth,  even  into  the 
dust.  Then  Antilochos  sprang  on  him  and  drave  the  sword 
into  his  temple,  and  he  fell  gasping  from  the  well-wrought 
chariot  headlong  in  the  dust  on  crown  and  shoulders.  A 
while  he  stood  there,  being  lighted  on  deep  sand,  until  his 
horses  spurned  him  and  cast  him  to  earth,  even  in  the 
dust ; and  them  Antilochos  lashed,  and  drave  them  to  the 
Achaians’  host 

But  Hector  marked  them  across  the  ranks,  and  sprang  on 
them  with  a shout,  and  the  battalions  of  the  Trojans  fol- 
lowed him  in  their  might : and  Ares  led  them  on  and  dread 
Enyo,  she  bringing  ruthless  turmoil  of  war,  the  while  Ares 
wielded  in  his  hands  his  monstrous  spear,  and  ranged  now 
before  Hector’s  face,  and  now  behind. 

Then  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war  - cry  shuddered  to 
behold  him  ; and  even  as  a shiftless  man  crossing  a 

great  plain  cometh  on  a swift-streaming  river  flowing  on 

to  the  sea,  and  seeing  it  boil  with  foam  springeth  back- 
wards, even  so  now  Tydeides  shrank  back  and  spake 
to  the  host  : “ Friends,  how  marvel  we  that  noble 
Hector  is  a spearman  and  bold  man  of  war ! Yet  ever 
is  there  beside  him  some  god  that  wardeth  off  destruc- 
tion ; even  as  now  Ares  is  there  by  him  in  likeness  of  s 

mortal  man.  But  with  faces  towards  the  Trojans  still 


ILIAD  V,  606-637  101 

give  ground  backwards,  neither  be  desirous  to  fight  amain 
with  gods.” 

So  said  he,  and  the  Trojans  came  very  close  upon  them. 
Then  Hector  slew  two  that  knew  well  the  battle  joy,  riding 
in  one  chariot,  even  Menesthes  and  Anchialos.  And  the 
great  Telamonian  Aias  had  pity  of  them  in  their  fall,  and 
came  hard  by  and  darted  with  his  bright  javelin,  and  smote 
Amphios  son  of  Selagos,  that  dwelt  in  Paisos,  a man  rich 
in  substance,  rich  in  meadow  land;  but  fate  led  him  to 
bring  succour  to  Priam  and  his  sons.  Him  Telamonian 
Aias  smote  upon  the  belt,  and  in  his  nether  belly  the 
far-shadowing  spear  stuck  and  he  fell  with  a crash. 
Then  glorious  Aias  ran  at  him  to  strip  him  of  his  armour, 
and  the  Trojans  rained  on  him  keen  javelins  glittering, 
and  his  shield  caught  many  thereof.  But  he  set  his  heel 
upon  the  corpse  and  plucked  forth  the  spear  of  bronze; 
only  he  could  not  strip  from  his  shoulders  all  the  fair 
armour  therewith,  being  overwhelmed  of  spears.  Moreover 
he  feared  the  haughty  Trojans’  stout  defence,  they  being 
many  and  brave  that  with  their  spears  pressed  on  him,  sc 
that  for  all  he  was  so  great  and  valiant  and  proud  they 
thrust  him  from  them ; and  he  was  shaken  and  shrank 
back. 

Thus  toiled  these  in  violent  battle;  and  Tlepolemos  son 
of  Herakles,  valiant  and  tall,  was  driven  of  forceful  fate 
against  godlike  Sarpedon.  Then  when  the  twain  were  come 
nigh  in  onset  on  each  other,  even  the  son  and  grandson  of 
Zeus  the  cloud -gatherer,  then  first  to  the  other  spake 
Tlepolemos : “ Sarpedon,  counsellor  of  the  Lykians,  why 
must  thou  be  skulking  here,  being  a man  unskilled  in 
battle?  Falsely  do  men  say  that  thou  art  offspring  of 
aegis-bearing  Zeus,  seeing  thou  art  found  lacking  greatly 
beside  those  men  that  in  days  of  old  were  born  of  Zeus. 


102 


ILIAD  V,  638-669 


Ah,  what  an  one  do  men  say1  was  mighty  Herakles,  even 
my  father  the  steadfast  lion-heart,  who  erst  came  hither  for 
Laomedon’s  mares  with  but  six  ships  and  a scantier  host, 
yet  sacked  the  city  of  Ilios  and  made  her  highways 
desolate.  But  thine  is  a base  spirit,  and  thy  folk  are 
minishing.  I ween  that  thou  art  in  no  wise  come  from 
Lykia  to  be  a bulwark  unto  the  Trojans,  for  all  thy  great 
strength,  but  that  thou  shalt  be  vanquished  at  my  hand 
and  pass  the  gates  of  Hades.” 

Then  Sarpedon  captain  of  the  Lykians  answered  him : 
44  Tlepolemos,  he  verily  overthrew  holy  Ilios  by  the  folly  of 
the  proud  man  Laomedon,  that  rewarded  his  good  deed 
with  harsh  upbraiding,  and  paid  him  not  the  steeds  wherefor 
he  came  from  afar.  And  for  thee  I say  that  slaughter  and 
black  death  shall  come  about  here  at  my  hands;  vanquished 
by  my  spear  thou  shalt  yield  to  me  my  glory,  and  thy  life  to 
Hades  of  the  goodly  steeds.” 

So  spake  Sarpedon,  and  Tlepolemos  lifted  his  ashen  spear, 
and  both  their  long  javelins  sped  from  their  hands  together, 
Sarpedon  smote  the  midst  of  his  neck,  and  the  grievous 
point  past  right  through,  and  the  darkness  of  night  fell  on 
his  eyes  and  shrouded  him:  and  Tlepolemos  with  long  spear 
smote  the  other’s  left  thigh,  and  the  point  sped  through 
furiously,  grazing  the  bone ; but  his  father  yet  warded  oil 
destruction. 

So  his  goodly  comrades  bare  away  godlike  Sarpedon 
from  the  battle,  but  the  long  spear  dragging  was  heavy  upon 
him,  and  no  man  marked  it  or  took  thought  in  their  haste 
to  draw  the  ashen  spear  out  from  his  thigh  that  he  might 
stand  upright ; such  labour  had  they  in  tending  him.  And 
over  against  them  the  well-greaved  Achaians  bare  Tlepolemos 
from  the  battle.  And  noble  Odysseus  of  the  patient  soul 

1 Or,  44  of  other  6ort,  men  say,”  if  we  read  iXKoutv  for  dXV  ulav. 


ILIAD  V,  670-702' 


103 


marked  it,  and  his  heart  was  stirred  within  him.  Then 
doubted  he  in  mind  and  soul  whether  first  to  pursue  the 
son  of  Zeus  the  loud  thunderer,  or  take  the  lives  of  the 
common  sort  of  the  Lykians.  But  it  was  not  destined  to 
great-hearted  Odysseus  to  slay  with  his  keen  blade  the 
mighty  son  of  Zeus ; so  Athene  turned  his  fury  upon  the 
multitude  of  the  Lykians.  Then  slew  he  Koiranos  and 
Alastor  and  Chromios  and  Alkandros  and  Halios  and 
Noemon  and  Prytanis ; and  yet  more  Lykians  had  noble 
Odysseus  slain  but  that  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm 
was  swift  to  mark  him,  and  strode  through  the  forefront  of 
battle,  harnessed  in  flashing  bronze,  and  brought  terror  to 
the  Danaans ; but  Sarpedon  the  son  of  Zeus  was  glad  at  his 
coming,  and  spake  to  him  a word  of  pain  : “ O son  of  Priam, 
let  me  not  now  be  left  a prey  unto  the  Danaans,  but  bring 
me  succour;  howbeit  thereafter  let  my  life  depart  from  me 
in  your  city,  seeing  it  might  not  be  that  I should  return 
home  to  my  dear  native  land,  to  make  glad  my  dear  wife 
and  infant  son.” 

So  said  he,  but  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  spake  no 
word  to  him,  but  hastened  on,  desirous  with  all  speed  to 
thrust  back  the  Argives  and  take  the  lives  of  many.  So  his 
goodly  comrades  made  godlike  Sarpedon  to  sit  beneath  a 
fair  oak-tree  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  and  valiant  Pelagon  that 
was  his  dear  comrade  thrust  forth  from  his  thigh  the  ashen 
spear;  and  his  spirit  failed  him  and  mist  overspread  his 
eyes.  Then  breathed  he  again,  and  the  breath  of  the  north 
wind  blew  round  about  him  and  brought  him  to  life  from  the 
grievous  swoon  of  his  soul. 

Now  the  Argives  before  the  face  of  Ares  and  mail-clad 
Hector  neither  turned  them  round  about  toward  their  black 
ships,  nor  charged  forward  in  battle,  but  still  fell  backward, 
when  they  heard  of  Ares  amid  the  Trojans.  And  now  who 


io4 


ILIAD  V,  703-736 


first  was  slaughtered,  and  who  last,  by  Hector  son  of  Priam 
and  brazen  Ares?  Even  godlike  Teuthras,  and  thereafter 
Orestes  the  charioteer,  and  Trechos  spearman  of  Aitolia,  and 
Oinomaos  and  Helenos  son  of  Oinops  and  Oresbios  with 
gleaming  taslets,  who  dwelt  in  Hyle  and  had  great  care 
of  his  substance,  lying  beside  the  Kephisian  mere  ; and 
near  him  dwelt  all  the  Boiotians,  inhabiters  of  a full  rich 
domain. 

Now  when  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera  marked  them 
making  havoc  of  the  Argives  in  the  press  of  battle,  anon  she 
spake  winged  words  to  Athene : “ Out  on  it,  thou  daughter 
of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  unwearied  maiden  ! Was  it  for  naught 
we  pledged  our  word  to  Menelaos,  that  he  should  not  depart 
till  he  had  laid  waste  well-walled  Ilios, — if  thus  we  let 
baleful  Ares  rage?  Go  to  now,  let  us  twain  also  take  thought 
of  impetuous  valour.” 

So  said  she,  and  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene  disre- 
garded not.  So  Hera  the  goddess  queen,  daughter  of  great 
Kronos,  went  her  way  to  harness  the  gold-frontleted  steeds ; 
and  Hebe  quickly  put  to  the  car  the  curved  wheels  of 
bronze,  eight-spoked,  upon  their  axle-tree  of  iron.  Golden  is 
their  felloe,  imperishable,  and  tires  of  bronze  are  fitted  there- 
over, a marvel  to  look  upon ; and  the  naves  are  of  silver,  to 
turn  about  on  either  side.  And  the  car  is  plaited  tight  with 
gold  and  silver  thongs,  and  two  rails  run  round  about  it, 
And  the  silver  pole  stood  out  therefrom ; upon  the  end 
bound  she  the  fair  golden  yoke,  and  set  thereon  the  fair 
breaststraps  of  gold,  and  Hera  led  beneath  the  yoke  the 
horses  fleet  of  foot,  and  hungered  for  strife  and  the  battle- 
cry.  And  Athene,  daughter  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  cast  down 
at  her  father’s  threshold  her  woven  vesture  many-coloured, 
that  herself  had  wrought  and  her  hands  bad  fashioned, 
and  put  on  her  the  tunic  of  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer,  and 


ILIAD  V,  737-767 


arrayed  her  in  her  armour  for  dolorous  battle.  About  her 
shoulders  cast  she  the  tasselled  aegis  terrible,  whereon  is 
Panic  as  a crown  all  round  about,  and  Strife  is  therein 
and  Valour  and  horrible  Onslaught  withal,  and  therein  is  the 
dreadful  monster’s  Gorgon  head,  dreadful  and  grim,  portent 
of  aegis-bearing  Zeus.  Upon  her  head  set  she  the  two- 
crested  golden  helm  with  fourfold  plate,  bedecked  with 
men-at-arms  of  a hundred  cities.  Upon  the  flaming  chariot 
set  she  her  foot,  and  grasped  her  heavy  spear,  great  and 
stout,  wherewith  she  vanquisheth  the  ranks  of  men,  even  of 
heroes  with  whom  she  of  the  awful  sire  is  wroth.  Then 
Hera  swiftly  smote  the  horses  with  the  lash ; self-moving 
groaned  upon  their  hinges  the  gates  of  heaven  whereof  the 
Hours  are  warders,  to  whom  is  committed  great  heaven  and 
Olympus,  whether  to  throw  open  the  thick  cloud  or  set 
it  to.  There  through  the  gates  guided  they  their  horses 
patient  of  the  lash.  And  they  found  the  son  of  Kronos 
sitting  apart  from  all  the  gods  on  the  topmost  peak  of  many- 
ridged  Olympus.  Then  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera 
stayed  her  horses  and  questioned  the  most  high  Zeus,  the 
son  of  Kronos,  and  said:  “Father  Zeus,  hast  thou  no  in- 
dignation with  Ares  for  these  violent  deeds  ? How  great 
and  goodly  a company  of  Achaians  hath  he  destroyed  reck- 
lessly and  in  unruly  wise,  unto  my  sorrow.  But  here  in 
peace  Kypris  and  Apollo  of  the  silver  bow  take  their 
pleasure,  having  set  on  this  mad  one  that  knoweth  not 
any  law.  Father  Zeus,  wilt  thou  at  all  be  wroth  with  me 
if  I smite  Ares  and  chase  him  from  the  battle  in  sorry 
plight  ?” 

And  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  answered  and  said  to  her: 
“ Go  to  now,  set  upon  him  Athene  driver  of  the  spoil,  who 
most  is  wont  to  bring  sore  pain  upon  him.” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  white-anned  goddess  Hera  disre- 


io6 


ILIAD  Y,  768-800 


garded  not,  and  lashed  her  horses ; they  nothing  loth  flew 
on  between  earth  and  starry  heaven.  As  far  as  a man  seeth 
with  his  eyes  into  the  haze  of  distance  as  he  sitteth  on  a 
place  of  outlook  and  gazeth  over  the  wine-dark  sea,  so  far 
leap  the  loudly  neighing  horses  of  the  gods.  Now  when 
they  came  to  Troy  and  the  two  flowing  rivers,  even  to  where 
Simoeis  and  Skamandros  join  their  streams,  there  the  white- 
armed goddess  Hera  stayed  her  horses  and  loosed  them 
from  the  car  and  poured  thick  mist  round  about  them,  and 
Simoeis  made  ambrosia  spring  up  for  them  to  graze.  So 
the  goddesses  went  their  way  with  step  like  unto  turtle- 
doves, being  fain  to  bring  succour  to  the  men  of  Argos. 
And  when  they  were  now  come  where  the  most  and  most 
valiant  stood,  thronging  about  mighty  Diomedes  tamer  of 
horses,  in  the  semblance  of  ravening  lions  or  wild  boars 
whose  strength  is  nowise  feeble,  then  stood  the  white-armed 
goddess  Hera  and  shouted  in  the  likeness  of  great-hearted 
Stentor  with  voice  of  bronze,  whose  cry  was  loud  as  the  cry 
of  fifty  other  men  : “ Fie  upon  you,  Argives,  base  things  of 
shame,  so  brave  in  semblance ! While  yet  noble  Achilles 
entered  continually  into  battle,  then  issued  not  the  Trojans 
even  from  the  Dardanian  gate ; for  they  had  dread  of  his 
terrible  spear.  But  now  fight  they  far  from  the  city  at  the 
hollow  ships.” 

So  saying  she  aroused  the  spirit  and  soul  of  every  man. 
And  to  Tydeides’  side  sprang  the  bright -eyed  goddess 
Athene.  That  lord  she  found  beside  his  horses  and  chariot, 
cooling  the  wound  that  Pandaros  with  his  dart  had  pierced, 
for  his  sweat  vexed  it  by  reason  of  the  broad  baldrick  of  his 
round  shield ; therewith  was  he  vexed  and  his  arm  grew 
weary,  so  he  was  lifting  up  the  baldrick  and  wiping  away 
the  dusky  blood.  Then  the  goddess  laid  her  hand  on  his 
horses’  yoke,  and  said:  “ Of  a truth  Tydeus  begat  a son  little 


ILIAD  V,  801-832 


107 


after  his  own  likeness,  Tydeus  was  short  of  stature,  but  a 
man  of  war ; yea  even  when  I would  not  have  him  fight  nor 
make  display — what  time  he  came  apart  from  the  Achaians 
on  an  embassage  to  Thebes,  to  the  midst  of  the  multitude 
of  the  Kadmeians,  I bade  him  feast  in  their  halls  at  peace ; 
but  he,  possessing  his  valiant  soul  as  of  old  time,  challenged 
the  young  men  of  the  Kadmeians  and  in  everything  van- 
quished them  [easily  ; so  sure  a helper  was  I unto  him], 
Eut  for  thee,  beside  thee  stand  I and  guard  thee  and  with 
all  my  heart  bid  thee  fight  the  Trojans  ; yet  either  hath 
weariness  of  much  striving  entered  into  thy  limbs,  or  dis- 
heartening terror  hath  taken  hold  of  thee.  If  that  be  so, 
no  offspring  art  thou  of  Tydeus,  the  wise  son  of  Oineus.” 

And  stalwart  Diomedes  made  answer  to  her  and  said : “ I 
know  thee,  goddess  daughter  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus : there- 
fore with  my  whole  heart  will  I tell  thee  my  thought  and 
hide  it  not.  Neither  hath  disheartening  terror  taken  hold 
upon  me,  nor  any  faintness,  but  I am  still  mindful  of  thy 
behest  that  thou  didst  lay  upon  me.  Thou  forbadest  me  to 
fight  face  to  face  with  all  the  blessed  gods,  save  only  ii 
Zeus’  daughter  Aphrodite  should  enter  into  battle,  then  to 
wound  her  with  the  keen  bronze.  Therefore  do  I now  give 
ground  myself  and  have  bidden  all  the  Argives  likewise  to 
gather  here  together ; for  I discern  Ares  lording  it  in  the 
fray.” 

Then  the  bright -eyed  goddess  Athene  answered  him : 
“Diomedes  son  of  Tydeus,  thou  joy  of  mine  heart,  fear 
thou,  for  that,  neither  Ares  nor  any  other  of  the  immortals ; 
so  great  a helper  am  I to  thee.  Go  to  now,  at  Ares  first 
guide  thou  thy  whole-hooved  horses,  and  smite  him  hand 

I to  hand,  nor  have  any  awe  of  impetuous  Ares,  raving  here, 
a curse  incarnate,  the  renegade  that  of  late  in  converse  with 
me  and  Hera  pledged  him  to  fight  against  the  Trojans  and 


ILIAD  V,  833-865 


108 

give  succour  to  the  Argives,  but  now  consorteth  with  the 
Trojans  and  hath  forgotten  these.” 

So  speaking,  with  her  hand  she  drew  back  Sthenelos  and 
thrust  him  from  the  chariot  to  earth,  and  instantly  leapt  he 
down;  so  the  goddess  mounted  the  car  by  noble  Diomedes’ 
side  right  eagerly.  The  oaken  axle  creaked  loud  with  its 
burden,  bearing  the  dread  goddess  and  the  man  of  might 
Then  Pallas  Athene  grasped  the  whip  and  reins ; forthwith 
against  Ares  first  guided  she  the  whole-hooved  horses.  Now 
he  was  stripping  huge  Periphas,  most  valiant  far  of  the 
Aitolians,  Ochesios’  glorious  son.  Him  was  blood-stained 
Ares  stripping;  and  Athene  donned  the  helm  of  Hades,  that 
terrible  Ares  might  not  behold  her.  Now  when  Ares  scourge 
of  mortals  beheld  noble  Diomedes,  he  left  huge  Periphas 
lying  there,  where  at  the  first  he  had  slain  him  and  taken 
away  his  life,  and  made  straight  at  Diomedes  tamer  of  horses. 
Now  when  they  were  come  nigh  in  onset  on  one  another, 
first  Ares  thrust  over  the  yoke  and  horses’  reins  with  spear 
of  bronze,  eager  to  take  away  his  life.  But  the  bright-eyed 
goddess  Athene  with  her  hand  seized  the  spear  and  thrust  it 
up  over 1 the  car,  to  spend  itself  in  vain.  Next  Diomedes 
of  the  loud  war-cry  attacked  with  spear  of  bronze;  and  Pallas 
Athene  drave  it  home  against  Ares’  nethermost  belly,  where 
his  taslets  were  girt  about  him.  There  smote  he  him  and 
wounded  him,  rending  through  his  fair  skin,  and  plucked 
forth  the  spear  again.  Then  brazen  Ares  bellowed  loud  as 
nine  thousand  warriors  or  ten  thousand  cry  in  battle  as  they 
join  in  strife  and  fray.  Thereat  trembling  gat  hold  of 
Achaians  and  Trojans  for  fear,  so  mightily  bellowed  Are* 
Insatiate  of  battle. 

Even  as  gloomy  mist  appeareth  from  the  clouds  wheD 
after  heat  a stormy  wind  ariseth,  even  so  to  Tydeus’  boo 
1 Rending  imlf>  with  the  best  MS.  for  in'  it, 


ILIAD  V,  866-898 


109 


Diomede3  brazen  Ares  appeared  amid  clouds,  faring  to 
wide  heaven.  Swiftly  came  he  to  the  gods’  dwelling,  steep 
Olympus,  and  sat  beside  Zeus  son  of  Kronos  with  grief  at 
heart,  and  shewed  the  immortal  blood  flowing  from  the 
wound,  and  piteously  spake  to  him  winged  words  : “ Father 
Zeus,  hast  thou  no  indignation  to  behold  these  violent  deeds  ? 
For  ever  cruelly  suffer  we  gods  by  one  another’s  devices, 
in  shewing  men  grace.  With  thee  are  we  all  at  variance, 
because  thou  didst  beget  that  reckless  maiden  and  baleful, 
whose  thought  is  ever  of  iniquitous  deeds.  For  all  the  other 
gods  that  are  in  Olympus  hearken  to  thee,  and  we  are  subject 
every  one;  only  her  thou  chastenest  not,  neither  in  deed  nor 
word,  but  settest  her  on,  because  this  pestilent  one  is  thine 
own  offspring.  Now  hath  she  urged  on  Tydeus’  son,  even 
overweening  Diomedes,  to  rage  furiously  against  the  immortal 
gods.  Kypris  first  he  wounded  in  close  fight,  in  the  wrist  of 
her  hand,  and  then  assailed  he  me,  even  me,  with  the  might 
of  a god  Howbeit  my  swift  feet  bare  me  away ; else  had  I 
long  endured  anguish  there  amid  the  grisly  heaps  of  dead,  or 
else  had  lived  strengthless  from  the  smitings  of  the  spear.” 

Then  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  looked  sternly  at  him  and 
said:  “Nay,  thou  renegade,  sit  not  by  me  and  whine.  Most 
hateful  to  me  art  thou  of  all  gods  that  dwell  in  Olympus  : 
thou  ever  lovest  strife  and  wars  and  battles.  Truly  thy 
mother’s  spirit  is  intolerable,  unyielding,  even  Hera’s;  her 
can  I scarce  rule  with  words.  Therefore  I deem  that  by 
her  prompting  thou  art  in  this  plight  Yet  will  I no  longer 
endure  to  see  thee  in  anguish ; mine  offspring  art  thou,  and 
to  me  thy  mother  bare  thee.  Eut  wert  thou  born  of  any 
other  god  unto  this  violence,  long  ere  this  hadst  thou  been 
lower  than  the  sons  of  Heaven.” 1 

1 Tb:  Titans,  imprisoned  in  Tartaros.  Others  explain  “ lower  than 
die  heavenly  gods.”  Zenodotos  read  irtp'ra-'m,  “lowest  of  the  sons  o) 

aeavea.” 


I IO 


ILIAD  V,  899-909 


So  spake  he  and  bade  Paieon  heal  him.  And  Paieoj 
laid  assuaging  drugs  upon  the  wound  [and  healed  him 
seeing  he  was  verily  of  no  mortal  substance].  Even  as  fij 
juice  maketh  haste  to  thicken  white  milk,  that  is  liquid  bu 
curdleth  speedily  as  a man  stirreth,  even  so  swiftly  healec 
he  impetuous  Ares.  And  Hebe  bathed  him,  and  clothec 
him  in  gracious  raiment,  and  he  sate  him  down  by  Zeus  soi 
of  Kronos,  glorying  in  his  might. 

Then  fared  the  twain  back  to  the  mansion  of  great  Zeus 
even  Hera  of  Argos  and  Alalkomenean  Athene,  having 
stayed  Ares  scourge  of  mortals  from  his  man-slaying. 


BOOK  VI. 


N 

jlow  Diomedes  and  Glaukos  being  about  to  fight,  were  known  to  eceh 
other,  and  parted  in  friendliness.  And  how  Hector  returning  to 
the  city  bade  farewell  to  Andromache  his  wife. 

So  was  the  dread  fray  of  Trojans  and  Achaians  left  to  itself 
,nd  the  battle  swayed  oft  this  way  and  that  across  the  plain, 
s they  aimed  against  each  other  their  bronze-shod  javelins, 
>etween  Simoeis  and  the  streams  of  Xanthos. 

First  Aias  son  of  Telamon,  bulwark  of  the  Achaians, 
>rake  a battalion  of  the  Trojans  and  brought  his  comrades 
alvation,  smiting  a warrior  that  was  chiefest  among  the 
Thracians,  Eussoros’  son  Akamas  the  goodly  and  great 
Tim  first  he  smote  upon  his  thick-crested  helmet-ridge  and 
Irave  into  his  forehead,  so  that  the  point  of  bronze  pierced 
nto  the  bone ; and  darkness  shrouded  his  eyes. 

Then  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  slew  Axylos  Teu- 
hranos’  son  that  dwelt  in  stablished  Arisbe,  a man  of  sub- 
stance dear  to  his  fellows ; for  his  dwelling  was  by  the  road- 
;ide  and  he  entertained  all  men.  Howbeit  of  all  these  was 
here  then  not  one  to  meet  the  foe  before  his  face  and  save 
rim  from  fell  destruction ; but  Diomedes  took  the  life  of 
>oth  of  them,  even  of  him  and  Kalesios  his  squire  that  now 
vas  the  driver  of  his  chariot ; so  passed  both  below  the  earth. 

And  Euryaios  slew  Dresos  and  Opheltios,  and  followed 
ifter  Aisepos  and  Pedasos  whom  erst  the  fountain-nymph 


I I 2 


ILIAD  VI,  22-55 


Abarbarea  bare  to  noble  Boukolion.  Now  Boukolion  was 
son  of  proud  Laomedon,  his  eldest  bom,  begotten  of  a 
mother  un wedded;  and  as  he  tended  his  flocks  he  had  con- 
verse with  the  nymph  in  love,  and  she  conceived  and  bare 
twin  sons.  And  lo,  the  strength  of  these  and  their  glori 
ous  limbs  Mekisteus’  son  unstrung,  and  stripped  the  armour 
from  their  shoulders.  And  stubborn  Polypoites  slew  Asty- 
alos,  and  Odysseus  with  spear  of  bronze  laid  low  Pidytes 
of  Perkote,  and  so  did  Teukros  to  goodly  Aretaon.  Then 
was  Ableros  killed  by  the  glistening  spear  of  Antilochos, 
Nestor’s  son,  and  Elatos  by  Agamemnon  king  of  men;  be- 
side the  banks  of  fair -flowing  Satnioeis  dwelt  he  in  steep 
Pedasos.  And  Leitos  the  warrior  caught  Phylakos,  as  he 
fled  ; and  Eurypylos  slew  Melanthios. 

Now  did  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry  take  Adrestos 
alive ; for  his  horses  took  flight  across  the  plain,  and  stum 
bling  in  a tamarisk  bough  brake  the  curved  car  at  the  pole’s 
foot ; so  they  themselves  fared  towards  the  city  where  the 
rest  were  fleeing  in  rout,  and  their  lord  rolled  from  out  the 
car  beside  the  wheel,  prone  in  the  dust  upon  his  face.  Then 
came  Atreus’  son  Menelaos  to  his  side  bearing  his  far- 
shadowing  spear.  Thereat  Adrestos  caught  him  by  his 
knees  and  besought  him  : “ Take  me  captive,  thou  son  ol 
Atreus,  and  accept  a worthy  ransom  ; many  a treasure  is 
stored  up  in  my  father’s  rich  palace,  bronze  and  gold  and 
smithied  iron ; thereof  would  my  father  yield  thee  ransom 
beyond  the  telling,  if  he  but  heard  that  I am  alive  at  the 
ships  of  the  Achaians.” 

So  spake  he,  and  moved  the  spirit  in  his  breast, 
now  had  he  forthwith  given  him  to  his  squire  to  lead  him 
to  the  Achaians’  fleet  ships,  but  that  Agamemnon  came  run 
ning  to  meet  him,  and  spake  a word  of  chiding  to  him 
“ Good  Menelaos,  why  art  thou  so  careful  of  the  foemen  ? 


)l 


ILIAD  VI,  56-90 


113 


Have  then  such  good  deeds  been  wrought  thee  In  thy  house 
by  Trojans  ? Of  them  let  not  one  escape  sheer  destruction 
at  our  hands,  not  even  the  man-child  that  the  mother  beareth 
in  her  womb ; let  not  even  him  escape,  but  all  peiish  to- 
gether out  of  Ilios,  uncared  for  and  unknown.” 

So  spake  the  hero  and  turned  his  brother’s  mind  with 
righteous  persuasion ; so  with  his  hand  he  thrust  the  hero 
Adrestos  from  him,  and  lord  Agamemnon  smote  him  in  the 
lank,  and  he  was  overthrown,  and  Atreus’  son  set  his  heel 
rpon  his  chest  and  plucked  forth  his  ashen  spear. 

Then  Nestor  called  to  the  Argives  with  far-reaching 
;hout : “ My  friends,  Danaan  warriors,  men  of  Ares’  com- 
pany, let  no  man  now  take  thought  of  spoils  to  tarry  behind, 
hat  he  may  bring  the  greatest  burden  to  the  ships ; but  let 
is  slay  the  foemen.  Thereafter  shall  ye  at  your  ease  alsc 
:trip  of  their  spoil  the  dead  corpses  about  the  plain.” 

So  spake  he  and  stirred  the  spirit  and  soul  of  every  man. 
'Tow  had  the  Trojans  been  chased  again  by  the  Achaians, 
lear  to  Ares,  up  into  Ilios,  in  their  weakness  overcome, 
iut  that  Priam’s  son  Helenos,  far  best  of  augurs,  stood  by 
rineias’  side  and  Hector’s,  and  spake  to  them  : “ Aineias 
nd  Hector,  seeing  that  on  you  lieth  the  task  of  war  in  chief 
I f Trojans  and  Lykians,  because  for  every  issue  ye  are  fore- 
rost  both  for  fight  and  counsel,  stand  ye  your  ground,  and 
j inge  the  host  everywhither  to  rally  them  before  the  gates, 
re  yet  they  fall  fleeing  in  their  women’s  arms,  and  be  made 
; rejoicing  to  the  foe.  Then  when  ye  have  aroused  all  our 
attalions  we  will  abide  here  and  fight  the  Danaans,  though 
^ 1 sore  weariness ; for  necessity  presseth  us  hard  : but  thou, 
lector,  go  into  the  city,  and  speak  there  to  thy  mother  and 
line ; let  her  gather  the  aged  wives  to  bright-eyed  Athene’s 
imple  in  the  upper  city,  and  with  her  key  open  the  doors 
J f the  holy  house ; and  let  her  lay  the  robe,  that  secmeth  to 

1 


ILIAD  VI,  90-121 


1 £4 

her  the  most  gracious  and  greatest  in  her  hall  and  far 
dearest  unto  herself,  upon  the  knees  of  beauteous -haired 
Athene ; and  vow  to  her  to  sacrifice  in  her  temple  twelve 
sleek  kine,  that  have  not  felt  the  goad,  if  she  will  have 
mercy  on  the  city  and  the  Trojans’  wives  and  little  children. 
So  may  she  perchance  hold  back  Tydeus’  son  from  holy  Ilios, 
the  furious  spearman,  the  mighty  deviser  of  rout,  whom 
in  good  sooth  I deem  to  have  proved  himself  mightiest 
of  the  Achaians.  Never  in  this  wise  feared  we  Achilles, 
prince  of  men,  who  they  say  is  bom  of  a goddess ; nay,  but 
he  that  we  see  is  beyond  measure  furious ; none  can  match 
him  for  might.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Hector  disregarded  not  his  brother’s 
word,  but  leapt  forthwith  from  his  chariot  in  his  armour 
to  earth,  and  brandishing  two  sharp  spears  passed  every- 
where through  the  host,  rousing  them  to  battle,  and  stirred 
the  dread  war-cry.  So  they  were  rallied  and  stood  to  face 
the  Achaians,  and  the  Argives  gave  ground  and  ceased  from 
slaughter,  and  deemed  that  some  immortal  had  descended 
from  starry  heaven  to  bring  the  Trojans  succour,  in  such 
wise  rallied  they.  Then  Hector  called  to  the  Trojans 
with  far-reaching  shout : “ O high-souled  Trojans  and  ye 
far-famed  allies,  quit  you  like  men,  my  friends,  and  take 
thought  of  impetuous  courage,  while  I depart  to  Ilios  and 
bid  the  elders  of  the  council  and  our  wives  pray  to  the  gods 
and  vow  them  hecatombs.” 

So  saying  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  departed,  and 
the  black  hide  beat  on  either  side  against  his  ankles  and  his 
neck,  even  the  rim  that  ran  uttermost  about  his  bossed 
shield. 

Now  Gjaukos  son  of  Hippolochos  and  Tydeus’  son  met  ia 
Ahe  mid-space  of  the  foes,  eager  to  do  battle.  Thus  when 
the  twain  were  come  nigh  in  onset  on  each  other,  to  him 


ILIAD  VI,  122-154 


IJ5 

first  spake  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry : “ Who  art  thou, 
noble  sir,  of  mortal  men  ? For  never  have  I beheld  thee 
in  glorious  battle  ere  this,  yet  now  hast  thou  far  outstripped 
all  men  in  thy  hardihood,  seeing  thou  abidest  my  far- 
shadowing  spear.  Luckless  are  the  fathers  whose  children 
face  my  might.  But  if  thou  art  some  immortal  come  down 
from  heaven,  then  will  not  I fight  with  heavenly  gods.  Nay 
moreover  even  Dryas’  son  mighty  Lykurgos  was  not  for 
long  when  he  strove  with  heavenly  gods,  he  that  erst  chased 
through  the  goodly  land  of  Nysa  the  nursing- mothers 
of  frenzied  Dionysos ; and  they  all  cast  their  wands  upon 
the  ground,  smitten  with  murderous  Lykurgos'  ox-goad. 
Then  Dionysos  fled  and  plunged  beneath  the  salt  sea-wave, 
and  Thetis  took  him  to  her  bosom,  affrighted,  for  a mighty 
trembling  had  seized  him  at  his  foe’s  rebuke.  But  with 
Lykurgos  the  gods  that  live  at  ease  were  wroth,  and 
Kronos’  son  made  him  blind,  and  he  was  not  for  long, 

[ because  he  was  hated  of  all  the  immortal  gods.  So  would 
[neither  I be  fain  to  fight  the  blessed  gods.  But  if  thou 
art  of  men  that  eat  the  fruit  of  the  field,  come  nigh,  that 
anon  thou  mayest  enter  the  toils  of  destruction.” 

Then  Hippolochos’  glorious  son  made  answer  to  him  : 
[“Great-hearted  Tydeides,  why  enquirest  thou  of  my  genera- 
tion ? Even  as  are  the  generations  of  leaves  such  are  those 
I likewise  of  men;  the  leaves  that  be  the  wind  scattereth  on  the 
i earth,  and  the  forest  buddeth  and  putteth  forth  more  again, 
when  the  season  of  spring  is  at  hand ; so  of  the  generations 
of  men  one  putteth  forth  and  another  ceaseth.  Yet  if  thou 
[wilt,  have  thine  answer,  that  thou  mayest  well  know  our 
lineage,  whereof  many  men  have  knowledge.  There  is  a 
city  Ephyre  in  the  heart  of  Argos,  pasture  land  of  horses, 
and  there  dwelt  Sisyphos  that  was  craftiest  of  men,  Sisyphos 
son  of  Aiolos ; and  he  begat  a son,  even  Glaukos,  arid 


ILIAD  VI,  155-187 


1 16 

Glaukos  begat  noble  Bellerophon.  To  him  the  gods 
granted  beauty  and  lovely  manhood;  but  Proitos  in  his 
heart  devised  ill  for  him,  and  being  mightier  far  drave  him 
from  the  land  of  the  Argives,  whom  Zeus  had  made  subject 
to  his  sceptre.1  Now  Proitos’  wife,  goodly  Anteia,  lusted 
after  him,  to  have  converse  in  secret  love,  but  no  whit  pre- 
vailed she,  for  the  uprightness  of  his  heart,  on  wise  Bellero- 
phon. Then  spake  she  lyingly  to  king  Proitos  : “ Die, 
Proitos,  or  else  slay  Bellerophon,  that  would  have  converse 
in  love  with  me  against  my  will.”  So  spake  she,  and  anger 
gat  hold  upon  the  king  at  that  he  heard.  To  slay  him  he 
forbare,  for  his  soul  had  shame  of  that ; but  he  sent  him  to 
Lykia,  and  gave  him  tokens  of  woe,  graving  in  a folded 
tablet  many  deadly  things,  and  bade  him  shew  these 
to  Anteia’s  father,  that  he  might  be  slain.  So  fared 
he  to  Lykia  by  the  blameless  convoy  of  the  gods.  Now 
when  he  came  to  Lykia  and  the  stream  of  Xanthos,  then 
did  the  king  of  wide  Lykia  honour  him  with  all  his  heart; 
nine  days  he  entertained  him  and  killed  nine  oxen.  And 
when  on  the  tenth  day  rosy-fingered  dawn  appeared,  then 
he  questioned  him  and  asked,  to  see  what  token  he  bare 
from  his  son-in-law,  even  Proitos.  Now  when  he  had  re- 
ceived of  him  Proitos’  evil  token,  first  he  bade  him  slay 
Chimaira  the  unconquerable.  Of  divine  birth  was  she  and 
not  of  men,  in  front  a lion,  and  behind  a serpent,  and  in 
the  midst  a goat;  and  she  breathed  dread  fierceness  of  blaz- 
ing fire.  And  her  he  slew,  obedient  to  the  signs  of  heavea 
Next  fought  he  with  the  famed  Solymi;  this,  said  he,  was 
the  mightiest  battle  of  warriors  wherein  he  entered  And 
thirdly  he  slew  the  Amazons,  women  peers  of  men.  And 
as  he  turned  back  therefrom,  the  king  devised  anothei 

1 Or,  “ for  Zeus  had  brought  him  [Bellerophon]  wider  his  acsptse‘i 
Fway." 


ILIAD  VI,  188-220 


117 

cunning  wile ; he  picked  from  wide  Lykia  the  bravest  men, 
and  set  an  ambush.  But  these  returned  nowise  home  again; 
for  noble  Bellerophon  slew  them  alL  So  when  the  king 
now  knew  that  he  was  the  brave  offspring  of  a god,  he  kept 
him  there,  and  plighted  him  his  daughter,  and  gave  him 
the  half  of  all  the  honour  of  his  kingdom ; moreover  the 
Lykians  meted  him  a domain  preeminent  above  all,  fair 
with  vineyards  and  tilth  to  possess  it1  And  his  wife  bare 
wise  Bellerophon  three  children,  Isandros  and  Hippolochos 
and  Laodameia.  With  Laodameia  lay  Zeus  the  lord  of 
icounsel,  and  she  bare  godlike  Sarpedon,  the  warrior  with 
arms  of  bronze.  But  when  even  Bellerophon  came  to  be 
hated  of  all  the  gods,  then  wandered  he  alone  in  the 
•Aleian  plain,  devouring  his  own  soul,  and  avoiding  the 
(paths  of  men ; and  Isandros  his  son  was  slain  by  Ares 
insatiate  of  battle,  as  he  fought  against  the  famed  Solymi, 
hnd  his  daughter  was  slain  in  wrath  of  gold-gleaming3 
[Artemis.  But  Hippclochos  begat  me,  and  of  him  do  I 
declare  me  to  be  sprung ; he  sent  me  to  Troy  and  bade  me 
very  instantly  to  be  ever  the  best  and  to  excel  all  other  men, 
inor  put  to  shame  the  lineage  of  my  fathers  that  were  of 
hoblest  blood  in  Ephyre  and  in  wide  Lykia.  This  is  the 
l ineage  and  blood  whereof  I avow  myself  to  be.” 

So  said  he,  and  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  was  glad. 
He  planted  his  spear  in  the  bounteous  earth  and  with  soft 
vords  spake  to  the  shepherd  of  the  host : “ Surely  then  thou 
irt  to  me  a guest-friend  of  old  times  through  my  father : for 
;oodly  Oineus  of  yore  entertained  noble  Bellerophon  in  his 
tails  and  kept  him  twenty  days.  Moreover  they  gave  each 
( jfafe  other  goodly  gifts  of  friendship ; Oineus  gave  a belt 
1 bright  with  purple,  and  Bellerophon  a gold  twy-handled  cup»> 

1 Or,  if  we  read  wpvf>6/u>u>,  “tilth  of  wheat-land." 

* Or,  “ Artemis  of  the  (joldcn  reins.” 


ILIAD  VI,  221-253 


118 

the  which  when  I came  I left  in  my  palace.  But  of  Tydeui 
I remember  naught,  seeing  I was  yet  little  when  he 
left  me,  what  time  the  Achaian  host  perished  at  Thebes. 
Therefore  now  am  I to  thee  a dear  guest-friend  in  midmost 
Argos,  and  thou  in  Lykia,  whene’er  I fare  to  your  land.  So 
let  us  shun  each  other’s  spears,  even  amid  the  throng ; 
Trojans  are  there  in  multitudes  and  famous  allies  for  me  to 
slay,  whoe’er  it  be  that  God  vouchsafeth  me  and  my  feet 
overtake ; and  for  thee  are  there  Achaians  in  multitude,  to 
slay  whome’er  thou  canst.  But  let  us  make  exchange  of 
arms  between  us,  that  these  also  may  know  how  we  avow 
ourselves  to  be  guest-friends  by  lineage.” 

So  spake  the  twain,  and  leaping  from  their  cars  clasped 
each  the  other  by  h}s  hand,  and  pledged  their  faith.  But 
now  Zeus  son  of  Kronos  took  from  Glaukos  his  wits,  in  that 
he  made  exchange  with  Diomedes  Tydeus’  son  of  golden 
armour  for  bronze,  the  price  of  five  score  oxen  for  the 
price  of  nine. 

Now  when  Hector  came  to  the  Skaian  gates  and  to  the 
oak-tree,  there  came  running  round  about  him  the  Trojans’ 
wives  and  daughters,  enquiring  of  sons  and  brethren  and 
friends  and  husbands.  But  he  bade  them  thereat  all  in 
turn  pray  to  the  gods ; but  sorrow  hung  over  many. 

But  when  he  came  to  Priam’s  beautiful  palace,  adorned 
with  polished  colonnades — and  in  it  were  fifty  chambers  of 
polished  stone,  builded  hard  by  one  another,  wherein  Priam’s 
sons  slept  beside  their  wedded  wives ; and  for  his  daughters 
over  against  them  on  the  other  side  within  the  courtyard 
were  twelve  roofed  chambers  of  polished  stone  builded  hard 
by  one  another,  wherein  slept  Priam’s  sons-in-law  beside 
their  chaste  wives — then  came  there  to  meet  him  his  bounti- 
ful mother,  leading  with  her  Laodike,  fairest  of  her  daughters 
to  look  on;  and  she  clasped  her  hand  in  his,  and  spake, 


ILIAD  VI,  254-283 


119 

and  called  upon  his  name : “ My  son,  why  hast  thou  left 
violent  battle  to  come  hither?  Surely  the  sons  of  the 
Achaians — name  of  evil  ! — press  thee  hard  in  fight  about  thy 
city,  and  so  thy  spirit  hath  brought  thee  hither,  to  come 
and  stretch  forth  thy  hands  to  Zeus  from  the  citadel.  But 
tarry  till  I bring  thee  honey-sweet  wine,  that  thou  mayest 
pour  libation  to  Zeus  and  all  the  immortals  first,  and  then 
shalt  thou  thyself  also  be  refreshed  if  thou  wilt  drink. 
When  a man  is  awearied  wine  greatly  maketh  his  strength 
to  wax,  even  as  thou  art  awearied  in  fighting  for  thy  fellows.” 

Then  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  answered  her  : 
“Bring  me  no  honey-hearted  wine,  my  lady  mother,  lest 
thou  cripple  me  of  my  courage  and  I be  forgetful  of  my 
might1  Moreover  I have  awe  to  make  libation  of  gleaming 
wine  to  Zeus  with  hands  unwashen  ; nor  can  it  be  in  any  wise 
that  one  should  pray  to  the  son  of  Kronos,  god  of  the  storm- 
cloud,  all  defiled  with  blood  and  filth.  But  go  thou  to  the 
temple  of  Athene,  driver  of  the  spoil,  with  offerings,  and 
gather  the  aged  wives  together ; and  the  robe  that  seemeth 
to  thee  the  most  gracious  and  greatest  in  thy  palace,  and 
dearest  unto  thyself,  that  lay  thou  upon  the  knees  of  beaute- 
ous-haired Athene,  and  vow  to  her  to  sacrifice  in  her  temple 
twelve  sleek  kine,  that  have  not  felt  the  goad,  if  she  will 
have  mercy  on  the  city  and  the  Trojans’  wives  and  little 
children.  So  may  she  perchance  hold  back  Tydeus’  son 
from  holy  Ilios,  the  furious  spearman,  the  mighty  deviser  of 
rout.  So  go  thou  to  the  temple  of  Athene,  driver  of  the 
spoil ; and  I will  go  after  Paris,  to  summon  him,  if  perchance 
he  will  hearken  to  my  voice.  Would  that  the  earth  forth- 
with might  swallow  him  up ! The  Olympian  fostered  him 
to  be  a sore  bane  to  the  Trojans  ahd  to  great-hearted  Priam, 

1 Omitting  S’  after  nbtot,  with  the  best  MSS.  and  probably  ArUtar- 
cbo*.  So  also  Plato,  Crat.  415  A. 


120 


ILIAD  VI,  284-314 


and  to  Priam’s  sons.  If  I but  saw  him  going  down  to  the 
gates  of  death,  then  might  I deem  that  my  heart  had  for- 
gotten its  sorrow.”1 

So  said  he,  and  she  went  unto  the  hall,  and  called  to  her 
handmaidens,  and  they  gathered  the  aged  wives  throughout 
the  city.  Then  she  herself  went  down  to  her  fragrant 
chamber  where  were  her  embroidered  robes,  the  work  of 
Sidonian  women,  whom  godlike  Alexandros  himself  brought 
from  Sidon,  when  he  sailed  over  the  wide  sea,  that  journey 
wherein  he  brought  home  high-born  Helen.  Of  these 
Hekabe  took  one  to  bear  for  an  offering  to  Athene,  the  one 
that  was  fairest  for  adornment  and  greatest,  and  shone  like 
a star,  and  lay  nethermost  of  alL  Then  went  she  her  way 
and  the  multitude  of  aged  wives  hasted  after  her. 

Now  when  they  came  to  the  temple  of  Athene  in  the 
citadel,  fair-cheeked  Theano  opened  them  the  doors,  even 
Kisseus’  daughter,  wife  of  horse-taming  Antenor j for  her  the 
Trojans  had  made  priestess  of  Athene.  Then  lifted  they 
all  their  hands  to  Athene  with  lamentation : and  fair-cheeked 
Theano  took  the  robe  and  laid  it  on  the  knees  of  beauteous- 
haired Athene,  and  lifted  up  her  voice  and  prayed  to  the 
daughter  of  great  Zeus  : “ Lady  Athene,  saviour  of  the  city, 
fair  among  goddesses,  break  now  Diomedes’  spear,  and 
grant  moreover  that  himself  may  fall  prone  before  the  Skaian 
gates ; that  we  may  sacrifice  thee  now  forthwith  in  thy 
temple  twelve  sleek  kine,  that  have  not  felt  the  goad,  if  thou 
wilt  have  mercy  on  the  city  and  the  Trojans’  wives  and 
little  children.”  So  spake  she  praying,  but  Pallas  Athene 

d^nior)  S prayer, 

So  were  these  praying  to  the  daughter  of  great  Zeus: 
and  Hector  was  come  totAlexandros’  fair  palace,  that  him 
self  had  builded  with  them  that  were  most  excellent  car 

1 Reading  with  Zenodotos  <ftCKtn>  f/rop  foi  <f>p£r'  iriprsv. 


ILIAD  VI,  315-346 


1 2 1 


penters  then  in  deep-soiled  Troy-land ; these  made  him  his 
chamber  and  hall  and  courtyard  hard  by  to  Priam  and 
Hector,  in  the  upper  city.  There  entered  in  Hector  dear 
to  Zeus,  and  his  hand  bare  his  spear,  eleven  cubits  long : 
before  his  face  glittered  the  bronze  spear-point,  and  a ring 
of  gold  ran  round  about  it  And  he  found  Paris  in  his 
chamber  busied  with  his  beauteous  arms,  his  shield  and 
breastplate,  and  handling  his  curved  bow ; and  Helen  of 
Argos  sate  among  her  serving-women  and  appointed  brave 
: handiwork  for  her  handmaidens.  Then  when  Hector  saw 
i him  he  rebuked  him  with  scornful  words : “ Good  sir, 
thou  dost  not  well  to  cherish  this  rancour  in  thy  heart 
The  folk  are  perishing  about  the  city  and  high  wall  in  battle, 
and  for  thy  sake  the  battle-cry  is  kindled  and  war  around 
; this  city ; yea  thyself  wouldest  thou  fall  out  with  another, 
didst  thou  see  him  shrinking  from  hateful  war.  Up  then, 
| lest  the  city  soon  be  scorched  with  burning  fire.” 

And  godlike  Alexandros  answered  him  : “ Hector,  since 
in  measure  thou  chidest  me  and  not  beyond  measure,  there- 
fore will  I tell  thee ; lay  thou  it  to  thine  heart  and  hearken 
to  me.  Net  by  reason  so  much  of  the  Trojans,  for  wrath 
and  indignation,  sate  I me  in  my  chamber,  but  fain  would 
I yield  me  to  my  sorrow.  Even  now  my  wife  hath  persuaded 
1 me  with  soft  words,  and  urged  me  into  battle ; and  I more- 
over, even  I,  deem  that  it  will  be  better  so ; for  victory 
1 shifteth  from  man  to  man.  Go  to  then,  tarry  awhile,  let  me 
| put  on  my  armour  of  war ; or  else  fare  thou  forth,  and  I 
will  follow ; and  I think  to  overtake  thee.” 

So  said  he,  but  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  answered 
him  not  a word.  But  Helen  spake  to  him  with  gentle 
words : “ My  brother,  even  mine  that  am  a dog,  mischievous 
and  abominable,  would  that  on  the  day  when  my  mother 
bare  me  at  the  first,  an  evil  storm-wind  had  caught  me  away 


122 


ILIAD  VI,  347-378 


to  a mountain  or  a billow  of  the  loud-sounding  sea,  where 
the  billow  might  have  swept  me  away  before  all  these  things 
came  to  pass.  Howbeit,  seeing  the  gods  devised  all  these 
ills  in  this  wise,  would  that  then  I had  been  mated  with  a 
better  man,  that  felt  dishonour  and  the  multitude  of  men’s 
reproachings.  But  as  for  him,  neither  hath  he  now  sound 
heart,  nor  ever  will  have ; thereof  deem  I moreover  that  he 
will  reap  the  fruit  But  now  come,  enter  in  and  sit  thee 
here  upon  this  bench,  my  brother,  since  thy  heart  chiefly 
trouble  hath  encompassed,  for  the  sake  of  me,  that  am  a 
dog,  and  for  Alexandras’  sin ; on  whom  Zeus  bringeth  evil 
doom,  that  even  in  days  to  come  we  may  be  a song  in  the 
ears  of  men  that  shall  be  hereafter.” 

Then  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  answered  her  : 
“ Bid  me  not  sit,  Helen,  of  thy  love ; thou  wilt  not  persuade 
me.  Already  my  heart  is  set  to  succour  the  men  of  Troy, 
that  have  gTeat  desire  for  me  that  am  not  with  them.  But 
rouse  thou  this  fellow,  yea  let  himself  make  speed,  to  over- 
take me  yet  within  the  city.  For  I shall  go  into  mine 
house  to  behold  my  housefolk  and  my  dear  wife,  and  infant 
boy ; for  I know  not  if  I shall  return  home  to  them  again, 
or  if  the  gods  will  now  overthrow  me  at  the  hands  of  the 
Achaians.” 

So  spake  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  and  departed ; and 
anon  he  came  to  his  well  stablished  house.  But  he  found 
not  white-armed  Andromache  in  the  halls;  she  with  her 
boy  and  fair-robed  handmaiden  had  taken  her  stand  upon 
the  tower,  weeping  and  wailing.  And  when  Hector  found 
not  his  noble  wife  within,  he  came  and  stood  upon  the 
threshold,  and  spake  amid  the  serving  women  : “ Come  tell 
me  now  true,  my  serving  women.  Whither  went  white- 
armed  Andromache  forth  from  the  hall  ? Hath  she  gone 
out  to  my  sisters  or  unto  my  brothers’  fair-robed  wives,  or 


ILIAD  VI,  379-412  123 

£0  Athene’s  temple,  where  all  the  fair-tressed  Trojan  women 
propitiate  the  awful  goddess  ?” 

Then  a busy  housedame  spake  in  answer  to  him : “ Hector, 
seeing  thou  straitly  chargest  us  tell  thee  true,  neither  hath 
she  gone  out  to  any  of  thy  sisters  or  thy  brothers’  fair-robed 
wives,  neither  to  Athene’s  temple,  where  all  the  fair-tressed 
Trojan  women  are  propitiating  the  awful  goddess;  but  she 
went  to  the  great  tower  of  Ilios,  because  she  heard  the 
Trojans  were  hard  pressed,  and  great  victory  was  for  the 
Achaians.  So  hath  she  come  in  haste  to  the  wall,  like  unto 
one  frenzied ; and  the  nurse  with  her  beareth  the  child” 

So  spake  the  housedame,  and  Hector  hastened  from  his 
house  back  by  the  same  way  down  the  well-builded  streets. 
When  he  had  passed  through  the  great  city  and  was  come 
to  the  Skaian  gates,  whereby  he  was  minded  to  issue  upon 
the  plain,  then  came  his  dear-won1  wife,  running  to  meet 
him,  even  Andromache  daughter  of  great-hearted  Eetion, 
Eetion  that  dwelt  beneath  wooded  Plakos,  in  Thebe  under 
Plakos,  and  was  king  of  the  men  of  Kilikia;  for  his  daughter 
was  wife  to  bronze-harnessed  Hector.  So  she  met  him  now, 
and  with  her  went  the  handmaid  bearing  in  her  bosom  the 
tender  boy,  the  little  child,  Hector’s  loved  son,  like  unto  a 
beautiful  star.  Him  Hector  called  Skamandrios,  but  all 
the  folk  Astyanax  ; for  only  Hector  guarded  Ilios.1  So  now 
he  smiled  and  gazed  at  his  boy  silently,  and  Andromache 
stood  by  his  side  weeping,  and  clasped  her  hand  in  his,  and 
spake  and  called  upon  his  name.  “ Dear  my  lord,  this  thy 
hardihood  will  undo  thee,  neither  hast  thou  any  pity  for  thine 
infant  boy,  nor  for  me  forlorn  that  soon  shall  be  thy  widow  ; 
for  soon  will  the  Achaians  all  set  upon  thee  and  slay  thee. 
But  it  were  better  for  me  to  go  down  to  the  grave  if  I lose 
thee ; for  never  more  will  any  comfort  be  mine,  when  once 

1 Or,  “ bounteous.” 


* Astyxnai  — “ City  King. 


ILIAD  VI,  412-446 


1 24 

thou,  even  thou,  hast  met  thy  fate,  but  only  sorrow.  More- 
over I have  no  father  nor  lady  mother : my  father  was  slain 
of  goodly  Achilles,  for  he  wasted  the  populous  city  of  the 
Kilikians,  even  high-gated  Thebe,  and  slew  Eetion ; yet  he 
despoiled  him  not,  for  his  soul  had  shame  of  that,  but  he 
burnt  him  in  his  inlaid  armour  and  raised  a barrow  over 
him ; and  all  about  were  elm-trees  planted  by  the  mountain 
nymphs,  daughters  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus.  And  the  seven 
brothers  that  were  mine  within  our  halls,  all  these  on  the 
selfsame  day  went  within  the  house  of  Hades;  for  fleet- 
footed  goodly  Achilles  slew  them  all  amid  their  kine  of 
trailing  gait  and  white-fleeced  sheep.  And  my  mother,  that 
was  queen  beneath  wooded  Plakos,  her  brought  he  hither 
with  the  other  spoils,  but  afterward  took  a ransom  untold 
to  set  her  free ; but  in  her  father’s  halls  was  she  smitten  by 
the  Archer  Artemis.  Nay,  Hector,  thou  art  to  me  father 
and  lady  mother,  yea  and  brother,  even  as  thou  art  my 
goodly  husband.  Come  now,  have  pity  and  abide  here 
upon  the  tower,  lest  thou  make  thy  child  an  orphan  and 
thy  wife  a widow.  And  stay  thy  folk  beside  the  fig-tree, 
where  best  the  city  may  be  scaled  and  the  wall  is  assail- 
able. Thrice  came  thither  the  most  valiant  that  are  with 
the  two  Aiantes  and  famed  Idomeneus  and  the  sons  of 
Atreus  and  Tydeus’  valiant  son,  and  essayed  to  enter ; 
whether  one  skilled  in  soothsaying  revealed  it  to  them,  or 
whether  their  own  spirit  urgeth  and  biddeth  them  on.” 

Then  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  answered  her : 
“ Surely  I take  thought  for  all  these  things,  my  wife ; but  I 
have  very  sore  shame  of  the  Trojans  and  Trojan  dames  with 
trailing  robes,  if  like  a coward  I shrink  away  from  battle. 
Moreover  mine  own  soul  forbiddeth  me,  seeing  I have 
leamt  ever  to  be  valiant  and  fight  in  the  forefront  of  the 
Trojans,  winning  my  father’s  great  glory  and  mine  own. 


ILIAD  VI,  447-480 


125 


Yea  of  a surety  I know  this  in  heart  and  soul ; the  day  shall 
come  for  holy  Ilios  to  be  laid  low,  and  Priam  and  the  folk 
of  Priam  of  the  good  ashen  spear.  Yet  doth  the  anguish 
of  the  Trojans  hereafter  not  so  much  trouble  me,  neither 
Hekabe’s  own,  neither  king  Priam’s,  neither  my  brethren’s, 
the  many  and  brave  that  shall  fall  in  the  dust  before  their 
foemen,  as  doth  thine  anguish  in  the  day  when  some  mail- 
clad  Achaian  shall  lead  thee  weeping  and  rob  thee  of  the 
light  of  freedom.  So  shalt  thou  abide  in  Argos  and  ply  the 
loom  at  another  woman’s  bidding,  and  bear  water  from 
fount  Messeis  or  Hypereia,  being  grievously  entreated,  and 
sore  constraint  shall  be  laid  upon  thee.  And  then  shall 
one  say  that  beholdeth  thee  weep : ‘ This  is  the  wife  of 
Hector,  that  was  foremost  in  battle  of  the  horse-taming 
Trojans  when  men  fought  about  Ilios.’  Thus  shall  one  say 
I hereafter,  and  fresh  grief  will  be  thine  for  lack  of  such  an 
husband  as  thou  hadst  to  ward  off  the  day  of  thraldom. 
But  me  in  death  may  the  heaped-up  earth  be  covering,  ere 
I hear  thy  crying  and  thy  carrying  into  captivity.” 

So  spake  glorious  Hector,  and  stretched  out  his  arm  to 
his  boy.  But  the  child  shrunk  crying  to  the  bosom  of  his 
fair-girdled  nurse,  dismayed  at  his  dear  father’s  aspect,  and 
in  dread  at  the  bronze  and  horse-hair  crest  that  he  beheld 
nodding  fiercely  from  the  helmet’s  top.  Then  his  dear 
father  laughed  aloud,  and  his  lady  mother ; forthwith  glori- 
ous Hector  took  the  helmet  from  his  head,  and  laid  it,  all 
gleaming,  upon  the  earth ; then  kissed  he  his  dear  son  and 
dandled  him  in  his  arms,  and  spake  in  prayer  to  Zeus  and  A 
all  the  gods,  “O  Zeus  and  all  ye  gods,  vouchsafe  ye  that 
this  my  son  may  likewise  prove  even  as  I,  pre-eminent  amid 
the  Trojans,  and  as  valiant  in  might,  and  be  a great  king  of 
Ilios.  Then  may  men  say  of  him,  ' Far  greater  is  he  than 
his  father-  ’ as  he  retumeth  home  from  battle ; and  may  he 


126 


ILIAD  VI,  481-513 


bring  with  him  blood-stained  spoils  from  the  foeman  he  hath 
slain,  and  may  his  mother’s  heart  be  glad.” 

So  spake  he,  and  laid  his  son  in  his  dear  wife’s  arms ; 
and  she  took  him  to  her  fragrant  bosom,  smiling  tearfully. 
And  her  husband  had  pity  to  see  her,  and  caressed  her  with 
his  hand,  and  spake  and  called  upon  her  name  : “ Dear  one, 

I pray  thee  be  not  of  oversorrowful  heart ; no  man  against 
my  fate  shall  hurl  me  to  Hades ; only  destiny,  I ween,  no 
man  hath  escaped,  be  he  coward  or  be  he  valiant,  when 
once  he  hath  been  bom.  But  go  thou  to  thine  house  and 
see  to  thine  own  tasks,  the  loom  and  distaff,  and  bid  thine 
handmaidens  ply  their  work ; but  for  war  shall  men  provide 
and  I in  chief  of  all  men  that  dwell  in  Ilios.” 

So  spake  glorious  Hector,  and  took  up  his  horse -hair 
crested  helmet ; and  his  dear  wife  departed  to  her  home 
oft  looking  back,  and  letting  fall  big  tears.  Anon  she 
came  to  the  well-stablished  house  of  man-slaying  Hector,  - 
and  found  therein  her  many  handmaidens,  and  stirred 
’amentation  in  them  all.  So  bewailed  they  Hector,  while 
ret  he  lived,  within  his  house : for  they  deemed  that  he 
would  no  more  come  back  to  them  from  battle,  nor  escape 
the  fury  of  the  hands  of  the  Achaians. 

Neither  lingered  Paris  long  in  his  lofty  house,  but 
clothed  on  him  his  brave  armour,  bedight  with  bronze,  and 
hasted  through  the  city,  trusting  to  his  nimble  feet  Even 
as  when  a stalled  horse,  full-fed  at  the  manger,  breaketh  his 
tether  and  speedeth  at  the  gallop  across  the  plain,  being 
wont  to  bathe  him  in  the  fair-flowing  stream,  exultingly ; 
and  holdeth  his  head  on  high,  and  his  mane  floateth  about  . 
his  shoulders,  and  he  trusteth  in  his  glory,  and  nimbly  his 
limbs  bear  him  to  the  haunts  and  pasturage  of  mares ; even 
so  Priam’s  son  Paris,  glittering  in  his  armour  like  the  shining 
sun,  strode  down  from  high  Pergamos  laughingly,  and  his 


ILIAD  VI,  5x4-529 


127 


swift  feet  bare  him.  Forthwith  he  overtook  his  brother 
noble  Hector,  even  as  he  was  on  the  point  to  turn  him 
away  from  the  spot  where  he  had  dallied  with  his  wife. 
To  him  first  spake  godlike  Alexandras : “Sir,  in  good  sooth 
I have  delayed  thee  in  thine  haste  by  my  tarrying,  and 
came  not  rightly  as  thou  badest  me.” 

And  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  answered  him  and 
said:  “ Good  brother,  no  man  that  is  rightminded  could  make 
light  of  thy  doings  in  fight,  seeing  thou  art  strong  : but  thou 
art  wilfully  remiss  and  hast  no  care ; and  for  this  my  heart 
is  grieved  within  me,  that  I hear  shameful  words  concerning 
thee  in  the  Trojans’  mouths,  who  for  thy  sake  endure  much 
toil.  But  let  us  be  going ; all  this  will  we  make  good  here- 
after, if  Zeus  ever  vouchsafe  us  to  set  before  the  heavenly 
gods  that  are  for  everlasting  the  cup  of  deliverance  in  our 
halls,  when  we  have  chased  out  of  Troy-land  the  well- 
greaved  Achaians.” 


BOOK  VIS. 


Of  the  single  combat  between  Alas  and  Hector,  and  of  the  burying  el 
the  dead,  and  the  building  of  a wall  about  the  Achaian  ships. 

So  spake  glorious  Hector  and  issued  from  the  gates,  and 
with  him  went  his  brother  Alexandras ; and  both  were  eager 
of  soul  for  fight  and  battle.  Even  as  God  giveth  to  longing 
seamen  fair  wind  when  they  have  grown  weary  of  beating 
the  main  with  polished  oars,  and  their  limbs  are  fordone 
with  toil,  even  so  appeared  these  to  the  longing  Trojans. 

Then  the  one  of  them  slew  king  Areithoos’  son,  Menes- 
thios  dwelling  in  Arne,  whom  Areithoos  the  Mace-man1 
and  ox-eyed  Phylomedusa  begat ; and  the  other,  even 
Hector,  with  his  sharp  spear  smote  Eioneus’  neck  beneath  his 
bronze  helmet-rim,  and  unstrung  his  limbs.  And  Glaukos 
son  of  Hippolochos,  captain  of  the  men  of  Lykia,  cast  his 
spear  at  Iphinoos  through  the  press  of  battle,  even  at  the 
son  of  Dexios,  as  he  sprang  up  behind  his  fleet  mares,  and 
smote  his  shoulder ; so  fell  he  from  his  chariot  to  earth  and 
his  limbs  were  unstrung. 

Now  when  the  goddess  bright-eyed  Athene  marked  them 
making  havoc  of  the  Argives  in  the  press  of  battle,  she  darted 
down  from  the  crests  of  Olympus  to  holy  Xlios.  But  Apollo 
rose  to  meet  her,  for  he  beheld  her  from  Pergamos,  and 
would  have  victory  for  the  Trojans.  So  the  twain  met  each 
1 For  this  surname  see  line  138. 


ILIAD  VII,  22-55 


129 


the  other  by  the  oak-tree.  To  her  spake  first  king  Apollo 
son  of  Zeus  : “ Why  now  art  thou  come  thus  eagerly  from 
Olympus,  thou  daughter  of  great  Zeus,  and  why  hath  thy  high 
heart  sent  thee  ? Surely  it  is  to  give  the  Danaans  unequal 
victory  in  battle  ! seeing  thou  hast  no  mercy  on  the  Trojans, 
that  perish.  But  if  thou  wouldest  hearken  to  me — and  it 
were  far  better  so — let  us  now  stay  battle  and  warring  for 
the  day ; hereafter  shall  they  fight  again,  till  they  reach  the 
goal  of  Ilios,  since  thus  it  seemeth  good  to  your  hearts, 
goddesses  immortal,  to  lay  waste  this  city.” 

And  the  goddess  bright-eyed  Athene  made  answer  to 
him : “ So  be  it,  Far-darter ; in  this  mind  I likewise  came 
from  Olympus  to  the  midst  of  Trojans  and  Achaians.  But 
come,  how  thinkest  thou  to  stay  the  battle  of  the  warriors  ?* 

And  king  Apollo,  son  of  Zeus,  made  answer  to  her:  “ Let 
us  arouse  the  stalwart  spirit  of  horse-taming  Hector,  if  so  be 
he  will  challenge  some  one  of  the  Danaans  in  single  fight 
man  to  man  to  meet  him  in  deadly  combat.  So  shall  the 
bronze-greaved  Achaians  be  jealous  and  stir  up  one  to  fight 
singly  with  goodly  Hector.” 

So  spake  he  and  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene  dis- 
regarded not.  Now  Helenos  Priam’s  dear  son  understood 
in  spirit  their  resolve  that  the  gods  in  counsel  had  approved ; 
and  he  went  to  Hector  and  stood  beside  him,  and  spake 
a word  to  him  : “ Hector  son  of  Priam,  peer  of  Zeus  in 
counsel,  wouldest  thou  now  hearken  at  all  tome?  for  I 
am  thy  brother.  Make  the  other  Trojans  sit,  and  all  the 
Achaians,  and  thyself  challenge  him  that  is  best  of  the 
Achaians  to  meet  thee  man  to  man  in  deadly  combat  It 
is  not  yet  thy  destiny  to  die  and  meet  thy  doom  ; for  thus 
heard  I the  voice  of  the  gods  that  are  from  everlasting.” 

So  said  he,  and  Hector  rejoiced  greatly  to  hear  his  say- 
ing, and  went  into  the  midst  and  refrained  the  battalions  of 

K 


13° 


ILIAD  VII,  50-90 


the  Trojans  with  his  spear  grasped  by  the  middle,  and  they 
all  sate  them  down : and  Agamemnon  made  the  well-greaved 
Achaians  sit.  And  Athene  withal  and  Apollo  of  the  silver 
bow,  in  the  likeness  of  vulture  birds,  sate  them  upon  a tall 
oak  holy  to  aegis -bearing  father  Zeus,  rejoicing  in  their 
warriors ; and  the  ranks  of  all  of  them  sate  close  together, 
bristling  with  shields  and  plumes  and  spears.  Even  as  there 
spreadeth  across  the  main  the  ripple  of  the  west  wind  newly 
risen,  and  the  sea  grows  black  beneath  it,  so  sate  the  ranks 
of  Achaians  and  Trojans  upon  the  plain.  And  Hector 
spake  between  both  hosts  : “ Hearken  to  me,  Trojans  and 
well-greaved  Achaians,  that  I may  speak  what  my  mind 
within  my  breast  biddeth  me.  Our  oaths  of  truce  Kronos’  1 
son,  enthroned  on  hjgh,  accomplished  not ; but  evil  is  his 
intent  and  ordinance  for  both  our  hosts,  until  either  ye  take 
fair-towered  Troy  or  yourselves  be  vanquished  beside  your 
seafaring  ships.  But  in  the  midst  of  you  are  the  chiefest  of 
all  the  Achaians ; therefore  now  let  the  man  whose  heart  . 
biddeth  him  fight  with  me  come  hither  from  among  you  all  to 
be  your  champion  against  goodly  Hector.  And  this  declare 
I,  and  be  Zeus  our  witness  thereto  ; if  that  man  slay  me  with 
the  long-edged  sword,  let  him  spoil  me  of  my  armour  and 
bear  it  to  the  hollow  ships,  but  give  back  my  body  to  my 
home,  that  Trojans  and  Trojans’  wives  may  give  me  my  due 
of  burning  in  my  death.  But  if  I slay  him  and  Apollo 
vouchsafe  me  glory,  I will  spoil  him  of  his  armour  and  bear 
it  to  holy  Ilios  and  hang  it  upon  the  temple  of  far-darting 
Apollo,  but  his  corpse  will  I render  back  to  the  well-decked 
ships,  that  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  may  entomb  him, 
and  build  him  a barrow  beside  wide  Hellespont  So  shall 
one  say  even  of  men  that  be  late  born,  as  he  saileth  in  his 
benched  ship  over  the  wine-dark  sea : ‘ This  is  the  barrow  of 
a man  that  died  in  days  of  old,  a champion  whom  glorious 


ILIAD  VII,  91-122 


I31 

Hector  slew.’  So  shall  a man  say  hereafter,  and  this  my 
glory  shall  never  die.” 

So  spake  he  and  they  all  were  silent  and  held  their  peace; 
to  deny  him  they  were  ashamed,  and  feared  to  meet  him. 
But  at  the  last  stood  up  Menelaos  and  spake  amid  them  and 
chiding  upbraided  them,  and  groaned  deep  at  heart : “ Ah 
me,  vain  threateners,  ye  women  of  Achaia  and  no  more 
men,  surely  all  this  shall  be  a shame,  evil  of  evil,  if  no  one 
of  the  Danaans  now  goeth  to  meet  Hector.  Nay,  turn  ye 
all  to  earth  and  water,  sitting  there  each  man  disheartened, 
helplessly  inglorious ; against  him  will  I myself  array  me ; 
and  from  on  high  the  threads  of  victory  are  guided  of  the 
immortal  gods.” 

So  spake  he  and  donned  his  fair  armour.  And  now,  O 
Menelaos,  had  the  end  of  life  appeared  for  thee  at  Hector’s 
hands,  seeing  he  was  stronger  far,  but  that  the  princes  of  the 
Achaians  started  up  and  caught  thee.  And  Atreus’  son 
himself,  wide-ruling  Agamemnon,  took  him  by  his  right 
hand  and  spake  a word  and  called  upon  his  name  : “ Thou 
doest  madly,  Menelaos  fosterling  of  Zeus ; yet  is  it  no  time  for 
this  thy  madness.  Draw  back,  though  it  be  with  pain,  nor 
think  for  contention’s  sake  to  fight  with  one  better  than  thou, 
with  Hector  Priam’s  son,  whom  others  beside  thee  abhor. 
Yea,  this  man  even  Achilles  dreadeth  to  meet  in  battle, 
wherein  is  the  warrior’s  glory ; and  Achilles  is  better  far  than 
thou.  Go  therefore  now  and  sit  amid  the  company  of  thy 
fellows ; against  him  shall  the  Achaians  put  forth  another 
fchampion.  Fearless  though  he  be  and  insatiate  of  turmoil, 
I ween  that  he  shall  be  fain  to  rest  his  knees,  if  he  escape 
from  the  fury  of  war  and  terrible  fray.” 

So  spake  the  hero  and  persuaded  his  brother’s  heart  with 
just  counsel ; and  he  obeyed.  So  his  squires  thereat  with 
gladness  took  his  armour  from  his  shoulders ; and  Nestor 


I32 


ILIAD  VII,  123-154 


stood  up  and  spake  amid  the  Argives  : “ Fie  upon  it,  verily 
sore  lamentation  cometh  on  the  land  of  Achaia.  Verily 
old  Peleus  driver  of  chariots  would  groan  sore,  that  goodly 
counsellor  of  the  Myrmidons  and  orator,  who  erst  ques- 
tioned me  in  his  house,  and  rejoiced  greatly,  inquiring  of 
the  lineage  and  birth  of  all  the  Argives.  If  he  heard  now  of 
those  that  all  were  cowering  before  Hector,  then  would  he 
lift  his  hands  to  the  immortals,  instantly  praying  that  his  soul 
might  depart  from  his  limbs  down  to  the  house  of  Hades. 
Ah  would  to  father  Zeus  and  Athene  and  Apollo  I were 
young  as  when  beside  swift-flowing  Keladon  the  Pylians 
gathered  together  to  battle  and  the  Arkadians  that  bear  the 
spear,  beneath  the  walls  of  Pheia,  about  the  streams  of 
lardanos.  Then  stood  up  for  their  champion  Ereuthalion,  a 
man  the  peer  of  gods,  bearing  upon  his  shoulders  the  armour 
of  king  Ajrei'thoos,  goodly  Areithoos  that  by  men  and  fair- 
girdled  women  was  surnamed  the  Mace-man,  because  he! 
fought  not  with  bow  and  long  spear,  but  with  an  iron  mace 
clave  the  battalions.  Him  Lykurgos  slew  by  guile,  and  not 
by  strength,  in  a narrow  way,  where  his  mace  of  iron  saved 
him  not  from  destruction  : ere  that,  Lykurgos  came  on  hire 
unawares  and  pierced  him  through  the  midst  with  his  dart, 
and  he  tvas  hurled  backward  upon  the  earth.  Then 
Lykurgos  despoiled  him  of  his  arms  that  brazen  Ares  hac 
given  him  ; and  these  himself  he  bare  thereafter  into  tht 
mellay  of  war.  But  when  Lykurgos  grew  old  within  his  hall: 
he  gave  them  to  Ereuthalion  his  dear  squire  to  wear.  S< 
with  his  arms  upon  him  he  challenged  all  our  best ; bu 
they  trembled  sore  and  were  afraid,  and  no  man  took  heart  < 
But  me  my  hardy  spirit  aroused  to  meet  him  in  my  confid1 
ence;1  yet  was  I youngest  in  years  of  all.  So  fought  I witl 
him  and  Athene  vouchsafed  me  glory.  Tallest  was  he  ant  , 
1 Or,  “to  meet  his  might,”  according  to  the  usual  interpretation  of  «, 


ILIAD  VII,  155-186 


*33 


strongest  of  men  that  I have  slain ; as  one  of  huge  bulk  he 
lay  spread  this  way  and  that.  Would  to  God  I were  thus 
young  and  my  strength  were  sound ; then  would  Hector  of 
the  glancing  helm  soon  find  his  combat.  But  of  those  of 
you  that  be  chieftains  of  the  host  of  the  Achaians,  yet  de- 
sireth  no  man  of  good  heart  to  meet  Hector  face  to  face.” 

So  the  old  man  upbraided  them,  and  there  stood  up  nine 
in  all.  Far  first  arose  Agamemnon  king  of  men,  and  after 
him  rose  Tydeus’  son  stalwart  Diomedes,  and  after  them 
the  Aiantes  clothed  with  impetuous  might,  and  after  them 
Idomeneus  and  Idomeneus’  brother-in-arms  Meriones,  peer 
jf  Enyalios  slayer  of  men,  and  after  them  Eurypylos 
Euaimon’s  glorious  son ; and  up  rose  Thoas  Andraimon’s 
son  and  goodly  Odysseus.  So  all  these  were  fain  to  fight 
with  goodly  Hector.  And  among  them  spake  again 
knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  : “ Now  cast  ye  the  lot  from  the 
first  unto  the  last,  for  him  that  shall  be  chosen ; for  he  shall 
n truth  profit  the  well-greaved  Achaians,  yea  and  he  shall 
rave  profit  of  his  own  soul,  if  he  escape  from  the  fury  of  war 
ind  terrible  fray.” 

So  said  he,  and  they  marked  each  man  his  lot  and  cast 
hem  in  the  helmet  of  Agamemnon  Atreus’  son ; and  the 
losts  prayed  and  lifted  up  their  hands  to  the  gods.  And 
hus  would  one  say,  looking  up  to  wide  heaven  : “ O father 
'eus,  vouchsafe  that  the  lot  fall  upon  Aias  or  Tydeus’  son, 
>r  else  on  the  king  of  Mykene  rich  in  gold.” 

So  spake  they,  and  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  shook 
he  helmet,  and  there  leapt  forth  the  lot  that  themselves 
iesired,  even  the  lot  of  Aias.  The  herald  bare  it  every- 
whither through  the  throng,  shewing  it  from  right  to  left  to 
11  the  princes  of  the  Achaians ; but  they  knew  it  not,  and 

ivery  man  denied  it.  But  when  he  came,  bearing  it  every - 
’hither  through  the  throng,  to  him  that  had  marked  it  and 


134 


ILIAD  VII,  187-219 


cast  it  in  the  helm,  even  glorious  Aias,  then  he  held  forth 
his  hand,  and  the  herald  stood  by  him  and  put  it  therein. 
And  Aias  saw  and  knew  the  token  upon  the  lot,  and  rejoiced 
in  heart.  He  cast  it  by  his  foot  upon  the  earth,  and  spake : 

“ My  friends,  verily  the  lot  is  mine,  yea  and  myself  am  glad 
at  heart,  because  I deem  that  I shall  vanquish  goodly 
Hector.  But  come  now,  while  I clothe  me  in  my  armour 
of  battle,  pray  ye  the  while  to  Kronos’  son  king  Zeus,  in 
silence  to  yourselves,  that  the  Trojans  hear  you  not — nay 
rather,  openly  if  ye  will,  for  we  have  no  fear  of  any  man 
soever.  For  none  by  force  shall  chase  me,  he  willing  me  un- 
willing, neither  by  skill ; seeing  I hope  that  not  so  skill-less, 
either,  was  I born  in  Salamis  nor  nurtured.” 

So  said  he,  and  they  prayed  to  Kronos’  son,  king 
Zeus ; and  thus  would  one  speak,  looking  up  to  wide 
heaven  : “ O father  Zeus  that  rulest  from  Ida,  most  glorious, 
most  great,  vouchsafe  to  Aias  victory  and  the  winning  of  j 
great  glory.  But  if  thou  so  lovest  Hector  indeed,  and 
carest  for  him,  grant  unto  either  equal  prowess  and  renown.” 

So  said  they,  while  Aias  arrayed  him  in  flashing  bronze. 
And  when  he  had  now  clothed  upon  his  flesh  all  his 
armour,  then  marched  he  as  huge  Ares  coming  forth,  when 
he  goeth  to  battle  amid  heroes  whom  Kronos’  son  setteth 
to  fight  in  fury  of  heart-consuming  strife.  So  rose  up  huge 
Aias,  bulwark  of  the  Achaians,  with  a smile  on  his  grim ; 
face : and  went  with  long  strides  of  his  feet  beneath  him, 
shaking  his  far- shadowing  spear.  Then  moreover  the 
Argives  rejoiced  to  look  upon  him,  but  sore  trembling 
came  upon  the  Trojans,  on  the  limbs  of  every  man,  and 
Hector’s  own  heart  beat  within  his  breast  But  in  no  wise  ■ 
could  he  now  flee  nor  shrink  back  into  the  throng  of  the  host, 
seeing  he  had  challenged  him  to  battle.  And  Aias  came 
near  bearing  his  tower-like  shield  of  bronze,  with  sevenfolc  : 


ILIAD  VII,  220-254 


135 


ox-hide,  that  Tychios  had  wrought  him  cunningly;  Tychios 
far  best  of  curriers,  that  had  his  home  in  Hyle,  who  made  him 
his  glancing  shield,  of  sevenfold  hides  of  stalwart  bulls,  and 
overlaid  the  seven  with  bronze.  Thte  bare  Telamonian 
Aias  before  his  breast,  and  stood  near  to  Hector,  and  spake 
to  him  threatening : “ Hector,  now  verily  shalt  thou  well 
know,  man  to  man,  what  manner  of  princes  the  Danaans 


likewise  have  among  them,  even  after  Achilles,  render  of 
men,  the  lion-hearted.  But  he  amid  his  beaked  seafaring 
ships  lieth  in  sore  wrath  with  Agamemnon  shepherd  of  the 
host ; yet  are  we  such  as  to  face  thee,  yea  and  many  of  us. 

But  make  thou  beginning  of  war  and  battle.” 

And  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  answered  him  : 
“Aias  of  the  seed  of  Zeus,  son  of  Telamon,  chieftain  of  the 
host,  tempt  not  thou  me  like  some  puny  boy  or  woman  that 
knoweth  not  deeds  of  battle.  But  I well  know  wars  and 
slaughterings.  To  right  know  I,  to  left  know  I the  wield- 
ing of  my  tough  targe ; therein  I deem  is  stalwart  soldier- 
ship. And  I know  how  to  charge  into  the  mellay  of  fleet 
chariots,  and  how  in  close  battle  to  join  in  furious  Ares’ 
dance.  Howbeit,  I have  no  mind  to  smite  thee,  being  such 
an  one  as  thou  art,  by  spying  thee  unawares ; but  rather 
openly,  if  perchance  I may  hit  thee.”  v 

He  spake,  and  poised  his  far  - shadowing  spear,  and 
hurled  and  smote  Aias’  dread  shield  of  sevenfold  hide  upon  \ 
the  uttermost  bronze,  the  eighth  layer  that  was  thereon. 
Through  six  folds  went  the  stubborn  bronze  cleaving,  but 
in  the  seventh  hide  it  stayed.  Then  heaven-sprung  Aias 
hurled  next  his  far-shadowing  spear,  and  smote  upon  the 
.circle  of  the  shield  of  Priam’s  son.  Through  the  bright  shield 
passed  the  violent  spear,  and  through  the  curiously  wrought 
,corslet  pressed  it  on ; and  straight  forth  beside  the  flank  the 
spear  rent  his  doublet ; but  he  swerved  aside  and  escaped 


136 


ILIAD  VII,  255-287 


black  death.  Then  both  together  with  their  hands  plucked 
forth  their  long  spears  and  fell  to  like  ravening  lions  or  wild 
boars  whose  might  is  nowise  feeble.  Then  Priam’s  son 
smote  the  shield’s  midst  with  his  dart,  but  the  bronze  brake 
not  through,  for  the  point  turned  back ; but  Aias  leapt  on 
him  and  pierced  his  buckler,  and  straight  through  went  the 
spear  and  staggered  him  in  his  onset,  and  cleft  its  way  unto 
his  neck,  so  that  the  dark  blood  gushed  up.  Yet  even  then 
did  not  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  cease  from  fight,  but 
yielded  ground  and  with  stout  hand  seized  a stone  lying 
upon  the  plain,  black  and  rugged  and  great;  therewith 
hurled  b 2 and  smote  Aias’  dread  shield  of  sevenfold  ox-hide 
in  the  midst  upon  the  boss,  and  the  bronze  resounded. 
Next  Aias  lifted  a far  greater  stone,  and  swung  and  hurled  it, 
putting  might  immeasurable  therein.  So  smote  he  the 
buckler  and  burst  it  inwards  with  the  rock  like  unto  a mill- 
stone, and  beat  down  his  knees ; and  he  was  stretched 
upon  his  back,  pressed  into  his  shield ; but  Apollo  straight- 
way raised  him  up.  And  now  had  they  been  smiting  hand 
to  hand  with  swords,  but  that  the  heralds,  messengers  of 
gods  and  men,  came,  one  from  the  Trojans,  one  from  the 
mail-clad  Achaians,  even  Talthybios  and  Idaios,  both 
men  discreet.  Between  the  two  held  they  their  staves,  and 
herald  Idaios  spake  a word,  being  skilled  in  wise  counsel : ■ 
“ Fight  ye  no  more,  dear  sons,  neither  do  battle ; seeing 
Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  loveth  you  both,  and  both  are  men 
of  war  ; that  verily  know  we  all.  But  night  already  is  upon 
us  : it  is  well  withal  to  obey  the  hest  of  night.” 

Then  Telamonian  Aias  answered  and  said  to  him; 

" Idaios,  bid  ye  Hector  to  speak  those  words  ; of  his  own 
self  he  challenged  to  combat  all  our  best  Let  him  be  first,  1 
and  I will  surely  follow  as  he  saith.” 

Then  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  said  to  him 


ILIAD  VII,  288-322 


137 


“ Aias,  seeing  God  gave  thee  stature  and  might  and  wisdom, 
and  with  the  spear  thou  art  excellent  above  all  the  Achaians, 
let  us  now  cease  from  combat  and  battle  for  the  day;  but  here- 
after will  we  fight  until  God  judge  between  us,  giving  to  one 
of  us  the  victory.  But  night  already  is  upon  us ; it  is  well 
withal  to  obey  the  hest  of  night ; that  so  thou  mayest  rejoice 
all  the  Achaians  beside  their  ships,  and  chiefly  the  kinsmen 
and  fellows  that  are  thine ; and  I throughout  the  great  city 
of  king  Priam  will  rejoice  the  Trojan  men  and  Trojan  dames 
with  trailing  robes,  that  with  prayer  I ween  will  enter  the 
holy  assemblage.  But  come,  let  us  give  each  the  other 
famous  gifts,  that  men  may  thus  say,  Achaians  alike  and 
Trojans:  ‘ These,  having  fought  for  sake  of  heart-consuming 
strife,  parted  again  reconciled  in  friendship.’  ” 

So  said  he,  and  gave  him  his  silver-studded  sword,  with 
scabbard  and  well-cut  baldrick ; and  Aias  gave  his  belt 
bright  with  purple.  So  they  parted  and  one  went  to  the 
Achaian  host,  and  one  betook  him  to  the  throng  of  Trojans. 
And  these  rejoiced  to  behold  him  come  to  them  alive  and 
sound,  escaped  from  the  fury  of  Aias  and  his  hands  unap- 
proachable ; and  they  brought  him  to  the  city  saved  beyond 
their  hope.  And  Aias  on  their  side  the  well-greaved  Achaians 
brought  to  noble  Agamemnon,  exulting  in  his  victory. 

So  when  these  were  come  unto  the  huts  of  Atreides,  then 
did  Agamemnon  king  of  men  slay  them  an  ox,  a male  of 
five  years  old,  for  the  most  mighty  son  of  Kronos.  This 
they  flayed  and  made  ready,  and  divided  it  all,  and  minced 
it  cunningly,  and  pierced  it  through  with  spits,  and  roasted 
it  carefully,  and  drew  all  off  again.  Then  as  soon  as  they 
had  rest  from  the  task  and  had  made  ready  the  meal,  they 
began  the  feast,  nor  was  their  soul  aught  stinted  of  the  equal 
banquet.  And  the  hero  son  of  Atreus,  wide-ruling  Aga- 
memnon, gave  to  Aias  slices  of  the  chine’s  full  length  for  his 


*38 


ILIAD  VII,  323-355 


honour.  And  when  they  had  put  from  them  the  desire  ot 
meat  and  drink,  then  first  the  old  man  began  to  weave  the 
web  of  counsel,  even  Nestor  whose  rede  of  old  time  was 
proved  most  excellent  He  of  good  intent  made  harangue 
among  them  and  said : “ Son  of  Atreus  and  ye  other  princes 
of  the  Achaians,  seeing  that  many  flowing-haired  Achaians 
are  dead,  and  keen  Ares  hath  spilt  their  dusky  blood  about 
fair-flowing  Skamandros,  and  their  souls  have  gone  down  to 
the  house  of  Hades ; therefore  it  behoveth  thee  to  make 
the  battle  of  the  Achaians  cease  with  daybreak ; and  we  will 
assemble  to  wheel  hither  the  corpses  with  oxen  and  mules ; 
so  let  us  burn  them  [a  little  way  from  the  ships,  that  each 
man  may  bear  their  bones  home  to  their  children,  whene’er 
we  return  again  to  our  native  land] ; and  let  us  heap  one 
barrow  about  the  pyre,  rearing  it  from  the  plain  for  all  alike ; 
and  thereto  build  with  speed  high  towers,  a bulwark  for  our 
ships  and  for  ourselves.  In  the  midst  thereof  let  us  make 
gates  well  compact,  that  through  them  may  be  a way  for 
chariot-driving.  And  without  let  us  dig  a deep  foss  hard 
by,  to  be  about  it  and  to  hinder  horses  and  footmen,  lest 
the  battle  of  the  lordly  Trojans  be  heavy  on  us  hereafter.” 

So  spake  he  and  all  the  chiefs  gave  assent  But  mean- 
while there  was  in  the  high  town  of  Ilios  an  assembly  o 
the  Trojans,  fierce,  confused,  beside  Priam’s  gate.  To  them 
discreet  Antenor  began  to  make  harangue  : “ Hearken  to 
me,  Trojans  and  Dardanians  and  allies,  that  I may  tell  you 
that  my  soul  within  my  breast  commandeth  me.  Lo,  go  to 
now,  let  us  give  Helen  of  Argos  and  the  wealth  with  her  for 
the  sons  of  Atreus  to  take  away.  Now  fight  we  in  guilt 
against  the  oaths  of  faith ; therefore  is  there  no  profit  for 
us  that  I hope  to  see  fulfilled,  unless  we  do  thus.” 

So  spake  he  and  sate  him  down ; and  there  stood  up 
among  them  noble  Alexandras,  lord  of  Helen  beautiful- 


ILIAD  VII,  356-388 


139 


haired ; he  made  him  answer  and  spake  winged  words : 
“ Antenor,  these  words  from  thee  are  no  longer  to  my 
pleasure ; yet  thou  hast  it  in  thee  to  devise  other  sayings 
more  excellent  than  this.  But  if  indeed  thou  sayest  this  in 
earnest,  then  verily  the  gods  themselves  have  destroyed  thy 
wit.  But  I will  speak  forth  amid  the  horse-taming  Trojans, 
and  declare  outright ; my  wife  will  I not  give  back ; but  the 
wealth  I brought  from  Argos  to  our  home,  all  that  I have  a 
mind  to  give,  and  add  more  of  mine  own  substance.” 

So  spake  he  and  sate  him  down,  and  there  stood  up 
among  them  Priam  of  the  seed  of  Dardanos,  the  peer  of 
gods  in  counsel ; he  of  good  intent  made  harangue  to  them, 
and  said  : “Hearken  tome,  Trojans  and  Dardanians  and 
allies,  that  I may  tell  you  that  my  soul  within  my  breast  com- 
mandeth  me.  Now  eat  your  supper  throughout  the  city 
as  of  old,  and  take  thought  to  keep  watch,  and  be  wakeful 
every  man.  And  at  dawn  let  Idaios  fare  to  the  hollow  ships 
to  tell  to  Atreus’  sons  Agamemnon  and  Menelaos  the  saying 
of  Alexandros,  for  whose  sake  strife  is  come  about : and  like- 
wise to  ask  them  this  wise  word,  whether  they  are  minded 
to  refrain  from  noisy  war  till  we  have  burned  our  dead ; 
afterwards  will  we  fight  again,  till  heaven  part  us  and  give 
one  or  other  victory.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  hearkened  diligently  to  him  and 
obeyed ; [then  took  they  their  supper  throughout  the  host 
by  ranks,]  and  at  dawn  Idaios  fared  to  the  hollow  ships. 
He  found  the  Danaans  in  assembly,  the  men  of  Ares’  com- 
pany, beside  the  stern  of  Agamemnon’s  ship ; and  so  the 
loud-voiced  herald  stood  in  their  midst  and  said  unto  them : 
“ Atreides  and  ye  other  princes  of  the  Achaians,  Priam  and 
all  the  noble  Trojans  bade  me  tell  you — if  perchance  it 
might  find  favour  and  acceptance  with  you — the  saying  of 
Alexandros,  for  whose  sake  strife  hath  come  about  The 


140 


ILIAD  VII,  389-420 


wealth  that  Alexandras  brought  in  his  hollow  ships  to  Troy 
• — would  he  had  perished  first ! — all  that  he  hath  a mind  to 
give,  and  to  add  more  thereto  of  his  substance.  But  the 
wedded  wife  of  glorious  Menelaos  he  saith  he  will  not  give ; 
yet  verily  the  Trojans  bid  him  do  it.  Moreover  they  bade 
me  ask  this  thing  of  you;  whether  ye  are  minded  to  refrain 
from  noisy  war  until  we  have  burned  our  dead ; afterwards 
will  we  fight  again,  till  heaven  part  us  and  give  one  or  other 
victory.” 

So  said  he  and  they  all  kept  silence  and  were  still.  But 
at  the  last  spake  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  in  their 
midst : “ Let  no  man  now  accept  Alexandras’  substance, 
neither  Helen’s  self ; known  is  it,  even  to  him  that  hath  no 
wit  at  all,  how  that  the  issues  of  destruction  hang  already 
over  the  Trojans.” 

So  spake  he,  and  all  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  shouted, 
applauding  the  saying  of  horse-taming  Diomedes.  And 
then  lord  Agamemnon  spake  to  Idaios  : “ Idaios,  thyself 
thou  hearest  the  saying  of  the  Achaians,  how  they  answer 
thee ; and  the  like  seemeth  good  to  me.  But  as  concerning 
the  dead,  I grudge  you  not  to  burn  them ; for  dead  corpses 
is  there  no  stinting,  when  they  once  are  dead,  of  the  swift 
propitiation  of  fire.  And  for  the  oaths  let  Zeus  be  witness, 
the  loud-thundering  lord  of  Llera.” 

So  saying  he  lifted  up  his  sceptre  in  the  sight  of  all  the 
gods,  and  Idaios  departed  back  to  holy  Ilios.  Now  Trojans 
and  Dardanians  sate  in  assembly,  gathered  all  together  to 
wait  till  Idaios  should  come;  and  he  came  and  stood  in 
their  midst  and  declared  his  message.  Then  they  made 
them  ready  very  swiftly  for  either  task,  some  to  bring  the 
dead,  and  some  to  seek  for  wood.  And  on  their  part  the 
Argives  hasted  from  their  well-decked  ships,  some  to  bring 
the  dead  and  some  to  seek  for  wood. 


ILIAD  VII,  421-451 


141 

Now  the  sun  was  newly  beating  on  the  fields  as  he 
climbed  heaven  from  the  deep  stream  of  gently- flowing 
Ocean,  when  both  sides  met  together.  Then  was  it  a hard 
matter  to  know  each  man  again;  but  they  washed  them  with 
water  clean  of  clotted  gore,  and  with  shedding  of  hot  tears 
lifted  them  upon  the  wains.  But  great  Priam  bade  them 
not  wail  aloud ; so  in  silence  heaped  they  the  corpses  on 
the  pyre,  stricken  at  heart ; and  when  they  had  burned  them 
with  fire  departed  to  holy  Ilios.  And  in  like  manner  on 
their  side  the  well-greaved  Achaians  heaped  the  corpses  on 
the  pyre,  stricken  at  heart,  and  when  they  had  burned  them 
with  fire  departed  to  the  hollow  ships. 

And  when  day  was  not  yet,  but  still  twilight  of  night, 
then  was  the  chosen  folk  of  the  Achaians  gathered  together1 
around  the  pyre,  and  made  one  barrow  about  it,  rearing  it 
from  the  plain  for  all  alike ; and  thereto  built  they  a wall 
and  lofty  towers,  a bulwark  for  their  ships  and  for  them- 
selves. In  the  midst  thereof  made  they  gates  well-com- 
pacted, that  through  them  might  be  a way  for  chariot-driving. 
And  without  they  dug  a deep  foss  beside  it,  broad  and 
great,  and  planted  a palisade  therein. 

Thus  toiled  the  flowing-haired  Achaians : and  the  gods 
sate  by  Zeus,  the  lord  of  lightning,  and  marvelled  at  the 
great  work  of  the  mail-clad  Achaians.  And  Poseidon 
shaker  of  earth  spake  first  to  them  : “ O father  Zeus,  is 
there  any  man  throughout  the  boundless  earth  that  will 
any  more  declare  to  the  immortals  his  mind  and  coun- 
sel ? Seest  thou  not  how  the  flowing  - haired  Achaians 
have  now  again  built  them  a wall  before  their  ships,  and 
drawn  a foss  around  it,  but  gave  not  excellent  heca- 
tombs to  the  gods?  Verily  the  fame  thereof  shall  reach 
as  far  as  the  dawn  spreadeth,  and  men  will  forget  the 

1 Reading  f/yptro  for  fyp'ro. 


142  ILIAD  VII,  452-482 

wall  that  I and  Phoebus  Apollo  built  with  travail  for  the 
hero  Laomedon.” 

And  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  said  to  him,  sore  troubled: 
“ Out  on  it,  far-swaying  Shaker  of  earth,  for  this  thing  thou 
sayest.  Well  might  some  other  god  fear  this  device,  one 
that  were  far  feebler  than  thou  in  the  might  of  his  hands : 
but  thine  shall  be  the  fame  as  far  as  the  dawn  spreadeth. 
Go  to  now,  hereafter  when  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  be 
departed  upon  their  ships  to  their  dear  native  land,  then 
burst  thou  this  wall  asunder  and  scatter  it  all  into  the  sea, 
and  cover  the  great  sea-beach  over  with  sand  again,  that 
the  great  wall  of  the  Achaians  be  brought  thee  to  naught.” 

Such  converse  held  these  one  with  the  other,  and  the  sun 
went  down,  and  the  work  of  the  Achaians  was  accomplished; 
and  they  slaughtered  oxen  amid  the  huts,  and  took  supper. 
And  many  ships  from  Lemnos,  bearing  wine,  were  at  hand, 
sent  of  Jason’s  son  Euneos,  whom  Hypsipyle  bare  to  Jason 
shepherd  of  the  host.  And  specially  for  Atreus’  sons, 
Agamemnon  and  Menelaos,  Jason’s  son  gave  a freight  of 
wine,  even  a thousand  measures.  So  the  flowing-haired 
Achaians  bought  them  wine  thence,  some  for  bronze  and 
some  for  gleaming  iron,  and  some  with  hides  and  some  with 
whole  kine,  and  some  with  captives ; and  they  set  a rich  feast 
before  them.  Then  all  night  long  feasted  the  flowing-haired 
Achaians,  and  in  the  city  the  Trojans  and  allies;  and  all 
night  long  Zeus  the  lord  of  counsel  devised  them  ill  with 
terrible  thunderings.  Then  pale  fear  gat  hold  upon  them, 
and  they  spilt  wine  from  their  cups  upon  the  earth,  neither 
durst  any  drink  till  he  had  made  libation  to  most  mighty 
Kronion.  Then  laid  they  them  to  rest  and  took  the  boon 
of  sleep. 


BOOK  VIII. 


How  Zeus  bethought  him  of  his  promise  to  avenge  Achilles’  wrong  co 
Agamemnon  : and  therefore  bade  the  gods  refrain  from  war,  and 
gave  victory  to  the  Trojans. 

Now  Dawn  the  saffron-robed  was  spreading  over  all  the 
earth,  and  Zeus  whose  joy  is  in  the  thunder  let  call  an 
assembly  of  the  gods  upon  the  topmost  peak  of  many- 
ridged  Olympus,  and  himself  made  harangue  to  them  and 
all  the  gods  gave  ear  : “ Hearken  to  me,  all  gods  and  all 
ye  goddesses,  that  I may  tell  you  that  my  heart  within  my 
breast  commandeth  me.  One  thing  let  none  essay,  be  it 
goddess  or  be  it  god,  to  wit,  to  thwart  my  saying ; approve 
ye  it  all  together,  that  with  all  speed  I may  accomplish  these 
things.  Whomsoever  I shall  perceive  minded  to  go,  apart 
from  the  gods,  to  succour  Trojans  or  Danaans,  chastened 
in  no  seemly  wise  shall  he  return  to  Olympus,  or  I will  take 
and  cast  him  into  misty  Tartaros,  right  far  away,  where  is 
the  deepest  gulf  beneath  the  earth ; there  are  the  gate  of 
iron  and  threshold  of  bronze,  as  far  beneath  Hades  as 
heaven  is  high  above  the  earth  : then  shall  he  know  how  far 
I am  mightiest  of  all  gods.  Go  to  now,  ye  gods,  make  trial 
that  ye  all  may  know.  Fasten  ye  a rope  of  gold  from 
heaven,  and  all  ye  gods  lay  hold  thereof  and  all  goddesses ; 
yet  could  ye  not  drag  from  heaven  to  earth  Zeus,  counsellor 
supreme,  not  though  ye  toiled  sore.  But  once  I likewise 


i44 


ILIAD  VIII,  23-55 


were  minded  to  draw  with  all  my  heart,  then  should  I draw 
you  up  with  very  earth  and  sea  withal.  Thereafter  would  I 
bind  the  rope  about  a pinnacle  of  Olympus,  and  so  should 
all  those  things  be  hung  in  air.  By  so  much  am  I beyond 
gods  and  beyond  men.” 

[So  said  he,  and  they  all  kept  silence  and  were  still, 
marvelling  at  his  saying  ; for  he  spake  very  masterfully.  But 
at  the  last  there  spake  to  them  the  bright-eyed  goddess 
Athene  : “ O our  father  Kronides,  supreme  of  lords,  well 
we  know,  even  we,  that  thy  might  is  unyielding ; yet  still 
have  we  pity  for  the  Danaan  spearmen,  that  now  shall  perish 
and  fulfil  a grievous  fate.  Yet  will  we  refrain  from  battle 
as  thou  biddest  us,  but  counsel  will  we  offer  to  the  Argives 
for  their  profit,  that  they  perish  not  all  at  thy  wrath.” 

Then  Zeus  the  cloud -gatherer  smiled  at  her  and  said 
“Be  of  good  comfort,  dear  child,  Trito-born;  I speak  nof 
at  all  of  earnest  purpose,  but  I am  minded  to  be  kindly  tc  : 
thee.]  ” 

So  saying  he  let  harness  to  his  chariot  his  bronze-shod 
horses,  fleet  of  foot,  with  flowing  manes  of  gold ; and  him- 
self clad  him  with  gold  upon  his  flesh,  and  grasped  the  whip 
of  gold,  well-wrought,  and  mounted  upon  his  car,  and  lashed 
the  horses  to  start  them ; they  nothing  loth  sped  on  between 
earth  and  starry  heaven.  So  fared  he  to  many-fountained 
Ida,  mother  of  wild  beasts,  even  unto  Gargaros,  where  is  his 
demesne  and  fragrant  altar.  There  did  the  father  of  men 
and  gods  stay  his  horses,  and  unloose  them  from  the  car, 
and  cast  thick  mist  about  them ; and  himself  sate  on  the 
mountain-tops  rejoicing  in  his  glory,  to  behold  the  city  ol 
the  Trojans  and  ships  of  the  Achaians. 

Now  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  took  meat  hastily 
among  the  huts  and  thereafter  arrayed  themselves.  Like- 
wise the  Trojans  on  their  side  armed  them  throughout  the 


ILIAD  VIII,  56-85 


145 


town — a smaller  host,  yet  for  all  that  were  they  eager  to 
fight  in  battle,  of  forceful  need,  for  their  children’s  sake  and 
their  wives’.  And  the  gates  were  opened  wide  and  the  host 
issued  forth,  footmen  and  horsemen ; and  mighty  din  arose. 

So  when  they  were  met  together  and  come  unto  one 
spot,  then  clashed  they  targe  and  spear  and  fury  of  bronze- 
clad  warrior ; the  bossed  shields  pressed  each  on  each,  and 
mighty  din  arose.  Then  were  heard  the  voice  of  groaning 
and  the  voice  of  triumph  together  of  the  slayers  and  the 
slain,  and  the  earth  streamed  with  blood. 

Now  while  it  yet  was  morn  and  the  divine  day  wraxed,  so 
long  from  either  side  lighted  the  darts  amain  and  the  people 
felL  But  when  the  sun  bestrode  mid-heaven,  then  did  the 
Father  balance  his  golden  scales,  and  put  therein  two  fates 
of  death  that  layeth  men  at  their  length,1  one  for  horse- 
taming Trojans,  one  for  mail-clad  Achaians ; and  he  took  the 
scale-yard  by  the  midst  and  lifted  it,  and  the  Achaians’  day 
of  destiny  sank  down.  So  lay  the  Achaians’  fates  on  the 
bounteous  earth,  and  the  Trojans’  fates  were  lifted  up  to- 
wards wide  heaven.  And  the  god  thundered  aloud  from 
Ida,  and  sent  his  blazing  flash  amid  the  host  of  the  Achaians; 
and  they  saw  and  were  astonished,  and  pale  fear  gat  hold 
upon  all. 

Then  had  Idomeneus  no  heart  to  stand,  neither  Aga- 
memnon, neither  stood  the  tw'ain  Aiantes,  men  of  Ares’ 
company.  Only  Nestor  of  Gerenia  stood  his  ground,  he 
the  Warden  of  the  Achaians;  neither  he  of  purpose,  but  his 
horse  was  fordone,  which  noble  Alexandras,  beauteous - 
haired  Helen’s  lord,  had  smitten  with  an  arrow  upon  the 
top  of  the  crest  where  the  foremost  hairs  of  horses  grow 
upon  the  skull ; and  there  is  the  most  deadly  spot  So 
the  horse  leapt  up  in  anguish  and  the  arrow'  sank  into  his 

1 Perhaps  rather  “ death  that  bringeth  long  woe.” 

1 - 


146 


ILIAD  VIII,  86-117 


brain,  and  he  brought  confusion  on  the  steeds  as  he  writhed 
upon  the  dart.  While  the  old  man  leapt  forth  and  with  his 
sword  began  to  hew  the  traces,  came  Hector’s  fleet  horses 
through  the  tumult,  bearing  a bold  charioteer,  even  Hector. 
And  now  had  the  old  man  lost  his  life,  but  that  Diomedes 
of  the  loud  war-cry  was  swift  to  mark.  Terribly  shouted 
he,  summoning  Odysseus:  “ Heaven-born  son  of  Laertes, 
Odysseus  of  many  wiles,  whither  fleest  thou  with  thy  back 
turned,  like  a coward  in  the  throng  ? Beware  lest  as  thou 
fleest  one  plant  a spear  between  thy  shoulders.  Nay,  stand 
thy  ground,  till  we  thrust  back  from  the  old  man  his  furious 
foe.” 

So  spake  he,  but  much-enduring  noble  Odysseus  heard 
him  not,  but  hastened  by  to  the  hollow  ships  of  the  Achaians. 
Yet  Tydeides,  though  but  one,  mingled  amid  the  fighters  in 
the  forefront,  and  took  his  stand  before  the  steeds  of  the 
old  man,  Neleus’  son,  and  spake  to  him  winged  words,  and 
said : “ Old  man,  of  a truth  young  warriors  beset  thee  hard  ; 
and  thy  force  is  abated,  and  old  age  is  sore  upon  thee,  and 
thy  squire  is  but  a weakling,  and  thy  steeds  are  slow.  Come 
then,  mount  upon  my  car,  that  thou  mayest  see  of  what  sort 
are  the  steeds  of  Tros,  well  skilled  for  following  or  fleeing 
hither  or  thither  very  fleetly  across  the  plain,  even  those 
that  erst  I took  from  Aineias  inspirer  of  fear.1  Thine  let 
our  squires  tend,  and  these  let  us  guide  straight  against  the 
horse-taming  Trojans,  that  even  Hector  may  know  whether 
my  spear  also  rageth  in  my  hands.” 

So  said  he,  and  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  disregarded 
not  Then  the  two  squires  tended  Nestor’s  horses,  even 
Sthenelos  the  valiant  and  kindly  Eurymedon  : and  the  other 
twain  both  mounted  upon  Diomedes’  car.  And  Nestor  took 
into  his  hands  the  shining  reins,  and  lashed  the  horses ; and 
1 Reading  See  Book  V 272. 


ILIAD  VIII,  117-148 


147 


soon  they  drew  nigh  Hector.  Then  Tydeus’  son  hurled  at 
him  as  he  charged  straight  upon  them  : him  missed  he,  but 
his  squire  that  drave  his  chariot,  Eniopeus,  high-hearted 
Thebaios’  son,  even  him  as  he  held  the  reins,  he  smote 
upon  the  breast  beside  the  nipple.  So  he  fell  from  out  the 
car,  and  his  fleet-footed  horses  swerved  aside ; and  there  his 
soul  and  spirit  were  unstrung.  Then  sore  grief  encompassed 
Hector’s  soul  for  sake  of  his  charioteer.  Yet  left  he  him 
there  lying,  though  he  sorrowed  for  his  comrade,  and  drave 
in  quest  of  a bold  charioteer  ; and  his  horses  lacked  not  long 
a master,  for  anon  he  found  Iphitos’  son,  bold  Archepto- 
lemos,  and  him  he  made  mount  behind  his  fleet  horses,  and 
gave  the  reins  into  his  hands. 

Then  had  destruction  come  and  deeds  beyond  remedy 
been  wrought,  and  so  had  they  been  penned  in  Ilios  like 
lambs,  had  not  the  father  of  gods  and  men  been  swift  to 
mark.  So  he  thundered  terribly  and  darted  his  white 
lightning  and  hurled  it  before  Diomedes’  steeds  to  earth ; 
and  there  arose  a terrible  flame  of  sulphur  burning,  and  the 
two  horses  were  affrighted  and  cowered  beneath  the  car. 
And  the  shining  reins  dropped  from  Nestor’s  hands,  and  he 
was  afraid  at  heart  and  spake  to  Diomedes  : “ Come  now 
Tydeides,  turn  back  thy  whole-hooved  horses  to  flight : 
seest  thou  not  that  victory  from  Zeus  attendeth  not  on 
thee?  Now  doth  Kronos’  son  vouchsafe  glory  to  this 
Hector,  for  the  day;  hereafter  shall  he  grant  it  us  like- 
wise, if  he  wilL  A man  may  not  at  all  ward  off  the  will  of 
Zeus,  not  though  one  be  very  valiant ; he  verily  is  mightier 
far.” 

Then  Diomedes  of'  the  loud  war-cry  answered  him : 
“Yea  verily,  old  man,  all  this  thou  sayest  is  according 
unto  right.  But  this  is  the  sore  grief  that  entereth  my  heart 
and  soul ; Hector  some  day  shall  say  as  he  maketh  harangue 


148 


ILIAD  VIII,  149-179 


amid  the  Trojans : ‘ Tydeides  betook  him  to  the  ships  in 
flight  before  my  face.’  So  shall  he  boast — in  that  day  let 
the  wide  earth  yawn  for  me.” 

Then  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  answered  him : “ Ah 
me,  thou  son  of  wise  Tydeus,  that  thou  shouldest  speak 
on  this  wise ! Even  though  Hector  call  thee  a base  man 
and  coward,  yet  will  not  the  Trojans  hearken  to  him  nor 
the  Dardanians,  neither  the  wives  of  the  great-hearted  men 
of  Troy,  bearers  of  the  shield,  the  wives  whose  lusty  bed- 
fellows thou  hast  laid  low  in  the  dust.” 

So  spake  he  and  turned  the  whole-hooved  horses  to 
flight,  back  through  the  tumult;  and'  the  Trojans  and 
Hector  with  wondrous  uproar  poured  upon  them  their 
dolorous  darts.  And  over  him  shouted  loudly  great  Hector 
of  the  glancing  helm  : “ Tydeides,  the  fleet-horsed  Danaans 
were  wont  to  honour  thee  with  the  highest  place,  and 
meats,  and  cups  brimful,  but  now  will  they  disdain  thee ; 
thou  art  after  all  no  better  than  a woman.  Begone,  poor 
puppet ; not  for  my  flinching  shalt  thou  climb  on  our  towers, 
neither  carry  our  wives  away  upon  thy  ships ; ere  that  will 
I deal  thee  thy  fate.” 

So  said  he,  and  Tydeides  was  of  divided  mind,  whether 
to  wheel  his  horses  and  fight  him  face  to  face.  Thrice 
doubted  he  in  heart  and  soul,  and  thrice  from  Ida’s  moun- 
tains thundered  Zeus  the  lord  of  counsel,  and  gave  to  the 
Trojans  a sign,  the  turning  of  the  course  of  battle.  And 
Hector  with  loud  shout  called  to  the  Trojans  : “ Trojans  and 
Lykians  and  Dardanians  that  love  close  fight,  be  men,  my 
friends,  and  bethink  you  of  impetuous  valour.  I perceive 
that  of  good  will  Kronion  vouchsafeth  me  victory  and  great 
glory,  and  to  the  Danaans  destruction.  Fools,  that  devised 
these  walls  weak  and  of  none  account ; they  shall  not  with-  I 
hold  our  fury,  and  lightly  shall  our  steeds  overleap  the  delved 


ILIAD  VIII,  180-212 


149 


loss.  But  when  I be  once  come  amid  the  hollow  ships, 
then  be  thought  taken  of  consuming  fire,  that  with  fire  I may 
burn  the  ships  and  slay  the  men,  [even  the  Argives  amid 
their  ships,  in  confusion  beneath  the  smoke].” 

So  spake  he  and  shouted  to  his  steeds,  and  said : 
“ Xanthos,  and  thou  Podargos,  and  Aithon  and  goodly 
Lampos,  now  pay  me  back  your  tending,  even  the  abund- 
ance that  Andromache,  great-hearted  Eetion’s  daughter,  set 
before  you  of  honey -hearted  wheat,  and  mingled  wine  to 
drink  at  the  heart’s  bidding,  sooner  than  for  me,  that 
verily  avow  me  to  be  her  lusty  spouse.  Pursue  ye  now  and 
haste,  that  we  may  seize  Nestor’s  shield  the  fame  whereof 
now  reacheth  unto  heaven,  how  that  it  is  of  gold  through- 
out, armrods  and  all ; and  may  seize  moreover  from  horse- 
taming Diomedes’  shoulders  his  richly  dight  breastplate 
that  Hephaistos  wrought  cunningly.  Could  we  but  take 
these,  then  might  I hope  this  very  night  to  make  the 
Achaians  to  embark  on  their  fleet  ships.” 

So  spake  he  boastfully,  and  queen  Hera  had  indignation, 
and  stirred  her  upon  her  throne  and  made  high  Olympus 
quake,  and  answered  and  said  to  the  great  god  Poseidon  : 
“ Out  on  it,  far-swaying  Shaker  of  Earth ; not  even  thine 
heart  within  thy  breast  hath  pity  on  the  Danaans  perishing. 
Yet  bring  they  to  thee  in  Helike  and  Aigai  offerings  many 
and  gracious  : wish  thou  them  victory.  Did  we  but  will,  we 
that  are  confederate  with  the  Danaans,  to  drive  the  Trojans 
back  and  withhold  far-seeing  Zeus,  then  would  he  vex  him- 
self that  he  should  sit  there  alone  in  Ida.” 

Then  was  the  lord  the  Shaker  of  earth  sore  troubled  and 
made  answer : “ Hera  headstrong  in  speech,  what  is  this 
thing  thou  sayest  ? I am  not  he  that  would  fain  see  us  all 
xt  strife  with  Zeus  Kronion,  for  he  verily  is  mightier  far.” 

Thus  spake  they  to  each  other ; and  now  was  all  the 


ILIAD  VIII,  213-246 


iS° 

space  that  from  the  ships  the  moat  enclosed,  even  unto  the 
wall,  filled  full  of  horses  together  and  shield-bearing  warriors 
pent : so  pent  them  Hector  Priam’s  son,  peer  of  fleet  Ares, 
now  that  Zeus  vouchsafed  him  glory.  And  now  had  he 
burned  the  trim  ships  with  blazing  fire,  but  that  queen  Hera 
put  it  in  Agamemnon’s  heart  himself  to  bestir  him  and 
swiftly  arouse  the  Achaians.  So  he  went  his  way  along  the 
huts  and  ships  of  the  Achaians,  holding  a great  cloak  of 
purple  in  his  stalwart  hand,  and  stood  by  Odysseus’  black 
ship  of  mighty  burden,  that  was  in  the  midst,  so  that  a 
voice  could  be  heard  to  either  end,  [whether  to  the  huts  of 
Aias  son  of  Telamon,  or  of  Achilles ; for  these  had  drawn 
their  trim  ships  up  at  the  uttermost  ends,  trusting  to  their 
valour  and  to  the  might  of  their  hands.]  Then  shouted  he 
in  a piercing  voice,  and  called  to  the  Danaans  aloud  : “ Fie 
upon  you,  Argives,  ye  sorry  things  of  shame,  so  brave  in 
semblance  ! Whither  are  gone  our  boastings  when  we  said 
that  we  were  bravest,  the  boasts  ye  uttered  vaingloriously  when 
in  Lemnos,  as  ye  ate  your  fill  of  flesh  of  tall-horned  oxen  and 
drank  goblets  crowned  with  wine,  and  said  that  every  man 
should  stand  in  war  to  face  fivescore  yea  tenscore  Trojans  ? 
yet  now  can  we  not  match  one,  even  this  Hector  that  anon 
will  burn  our  ships  with  flame  of  fire.  O father  Zeus, 
didst  ever  thou  blind  with  such  a blindness  any  mighty 
king,  and  rob  him  of  great  glory?  Yet  I ween  that  never 
in  my  benched  ship  passed  I by  a fair  altar  of  thine  on  my 
mad  way  hither,  but  upon  all  I burnt  fat  and  thighs  of  oxen, 
being  eager  to  lay  waste  well-walled  Troy.  Nay,  Zeus,  this 
hope  fulfil  thou  me ; suffer  that  we  ourselves  at  least  flee 
and  escape,  neither  suffer  that  the  Achaians  be  thus  van-  4 
quished  of  the  Trojans.” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  Father  had  pity  on  him  as  he  wept, 
and  vouchsafed  him  that  his  folk  should  be  saved  and 


ILIAD  VIII,  247-277 


151 

perish  not.  Forthwith  sent  he  an  eagle — surest  sign  among 
winged  fowl — holding  in  his  claws  a fawn,  the  young  of  a fleet 
hind ; beside  the  beautiful  altar  of  Zeus  he  let  fall  the  fawn, 
where  the  Achaians  did  sacrifice  unto  Zeus  lord  of  all  oracles. 
So  when  they  saw  that  the  bird  was  come  from  Zeus,  they 
sprang  the  more  upon  the  Trojans  and  bethought  them  of 
the  joy  of  battle. 

Now  could  no  man  of  the  Danaans,  for  all  they  were  very 
many,  boast  that  he  before  Tydeus’  son  had  guided  his  fleet 
horses  forth,  and  driven  them  across  the  trench  and  fought 
man  to  man;  first  by  far  was  Tydeides  to  slay  a warrior  of 
the  Trojans  in  full  array,  even  Agelaos  son  of  Phradmon. 
Now  he  had  turned  his  steeds  to  flee ; but  as  he  wheeled 
the  other  plunged  the  spear  into  his  back  between  his 
shoulders,  and  drave  it  through  his  breast.  So  fell  he  from 
his  chariot,  and  his  armour  clanged  upon  him. 

And  after  him  came  Atreus’  sons,  even  Agamemnon  and 
Menelaos,  and  after  them  the  Aiantes  clothed  upon  with 
impetuous  valour,  and  after  them  Idomeneus  and  Idomeneus’ 
brother  in  arms  Meriones,  peer  of  Enyalios  slayer  of  men, 
and  after  them  Eurypylos,  Euaimon’s  glorious  son.  And 
ninth  came  Teukros,  stretching  his  back-bent  bow,  and  took 
his  stand  beneath  the  shield  of  Aias  son  of  Telamon.  And 
so  Aias  would  stealthily  withdraw  the  shield,  and  Teukros 
would  spy  his  chance ; and  when  he  had  shot  and  smitten 
one  in  the  throng,  then  fell  such  an  one  and  gave  up  the 
ghost,  and  Teukros  would  return,  and  as  a child  beneath 
his  mother,  so  gat  he  him  to  Aias  ; who  hid  him  with  the 
shining  shield. 

Now  who  first  of  the  Trojans  was  slain  of  noble  Teukros? 
Orsilochos  first  and  Ormenos  and  Ophelestes  and  Daitor  and 
Chromios  and  godlike  Lykophontes  and  Amopaon  Polyai- 
mon’s  son  and  Melanippos ; [all  these  in  turn  laid  he  upon 


1 52 


ILIAD  VIII,  27S-311 


the  bounteous  earth.]  And  Agamemnon  king  of  men  r» 
joiced  to  behold  him  making  havoc  with  his  stalwart  bow 
of  the  battalions  of  the  Trojans,  and  he  came  and  stood  by 
his  side  and  spake  to  him,  saying:  “Teukros,  dear  heart,  thou 
son  of  Telamon,  prince  of  the  host,  shoot  on  in  this  wise, 
if  perchance  thou  mayest  be  found  the  salvation  of  the 
Danaans  and  glory  of  thy  father  Telamon ; who  nurtured 
thee  when  thou  wast  little,  and  reared  thee,  though  a bas- 
tard, in  his  house ; exalt  thou  him  to  honour,  though  he  be 
afar  Moreover  I will  say  to  thee  that  which  shall  indeed 
be  fulfilled.  If  aegis-bearing  Zeus  and  Athene  vouchsafe 
me  to  lay  waste  the  stablished  city  of  Ilios,  in  thine  hand 
first,  after  myself,  will  I bestow  the  meed  of  honour,  be  it  a 
tripod  or  two  steeds  with  their  chariot,  or  a woman  that 
shall  go  up  into  thy  bed.” 

And  noble  Teukros  made  answer  and  said  to  him : 
“ Most  noble  son  of  Atreus,  why  urgest  thou  me  that  myself 
am  eager?  Verily  with  such  strength  as  is  in  me  forbear  I 
not,  but  ever  since  we  arave  them  towards  Ilios  I watch  with 
my  bow  to  slay  the  foemen.  Eight  long-barbed  arrows  have 
I now  sped,  and  all  are  buried  in  the  flesh  of  young  men 
swift  in  battle ; only  this  mad  dog  can  I not  smite.” 

He  said,  and  shot  another  arrow  from  the  string  right 
against  Hector;  and  his  heart  was  fain  to  smite  him.  Yet 
him  he  missed,  but  noble  Gorgythion,  Priam’s  good  son,  he 
smote  with  an  arrow  in  the  breast,  him  born  of  a mother 
wedded  from  Aisyme,  even  fair  Kastianeira,  of  favour  like 
unto  the  gods.  Even  as  in  a garden  a poppy  droopeth  its 
head  aside,  being  heavy  with  fruit  and  the  showers  of 
spring ; so  bowed  he  aside  his  head  laden  with  his  helm. 

And  Teukros  shot  another  arrow  from  the  string,  right 
against  Hector,  and  his  heart  was  fain  to  smite  him.  Yet 
missed  he  once  again,  for  Apollo  turned  the  dart  away ; but 


ILIAD  VIII,  312-344 


153 


Archeptolemos,  Hector’s  bold  charioteer,  he  smote  on  the 
breast  beside  the  nipple  as  he  hasted  into  battle : so  he  fell 
from  his  car  and  his  fleet-footed  horses  swerved  aside ; and 
there  his  soul  and  spirit  were  unstrung.  Then  sore  grief 
encompassed  Hector’s  soul  for  his  charioteer’s  sake ; yet  left 
he  him,  though  he  sorrowed  for  his  comrade,  and  bade  Kebri- 
ones  his  own  brother,  being  hard  by,  take  the  chariot  reins ; 
and  he  heard  and  disregarded  not.  And  himself  he  leapt 
to  earth  from  the  resplendent  car,  with  a terrible  shout;  and 
in  his’hand  he  caught  a stone,  and  made  right  at  Teukros, 
and  his  heart  bade  him  smite  him.  Now  Teukros  had 
plucked  forth  from  his  quiver  a keen  arrow,  and  laid  it  on 
the  string;  but  even  as  he  drew  it  back,  Hector  of  the 
glancing  helm  smote  him  with  the  jagged  stone,  fl!s  he  aimed 
eagerly  against  him,  even  beside  his  shoulder,  where  the 
collar-bone  fenceth  off"  neck  and  breast,  and  where  is  the 
most  deadly  spot ; and  he  brake  the  bowstring,1  and  his  hand 
from  the  wrist  grew  numb,  and  he  stayed  fallen  upon  his 
knee,  and  his  bow  dropped  from  his  hand.  But  Aias  dis- 
regarded not  his  brother’s  fall,  but  ran  and  strode  across 
him  and  hid  him  with  his  shield.  Then  two  trusty  com- 
rades bent  down  to  him,  even  Mekisteus  son  of  Echios  and 
goodly  Alastor,  and  bare  him,  groaning  sorely,  to  the  hollow 
ships.  And  once  again  the  Olympian  aroused  the  spirit  of 
the  Trojans.  So  they  drove  the  Achaians  straight  toward 
the  deep  foss,  and  amid  the  foremost  went  Hector  exulting 
in  his  strength.  And  even  as  when  a hound  behind  wild 
boar  or  lion,  with  swift  feet  pursuing  snatcheth  at  him,  at 
flank  or  buttock,  and  watcheth  for  him  as  he  wheeleth,  so 
Hector  pressed  hard  on  the  flowing-haired  Achaians,  slaying 
ever  the  hindmost,  and  they  fled  on.  But  when  they  were 
passed  in  flight  through  palisade  and  foss,  and  many  weie 

1 rtv^r  may  mean  “ the  sinew  of  his  arm." 


*54 


ILIAD  VIII,  344-375 


fallen  beneath  the  Trojans’  hands,  then  halted  they  and 
tarried  beside  the  ships,  calling  one  upon  another,  and  lifting 
up  their  hands  to  all  the  gods  prayed  each  one  instantly. 
But  Hector  wheeled  round  his  beauteous-maned  steeds  this 
way  and  that,  and  his  eyes  were  as  the  eyes  of  Gorgon  or 
Ares  bane  of  mortals. 

Now  at  the  sight  of  them  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera 
had  compassion,  and  anon  spake  winged  words  to  Athene : 

“ Out  on  it,  thou  child  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  shall  not  we 
twain  any  more  take  thought  for  the  Danaans  that  perish,  if 
only  for  this  last  time?  Now  will  they  fill  up  the  measure 
of  evil  destiny  and  perish  by  one  man’s  onslaught ; seeing 
that  he  is  furious  now  beyond  endurance,  this  Hector  son 
of  Priam,  and  verily  hath  wrought  many  a deed  of  ill.” 

And  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene  made  answer  to  her, 
“Yea  in  good  sooth,  may  this  fellow  yield  up  strength  and 
life,  and  perish  at  the  Argives’  hands  in  his  native  land ; 
only  mine  own  sire  is  furious,  with  no  good  intent,  head- 
strong, ever  sinful,  the  foiler  of  my  purposes.  Neither  re- 
membereth  he  at  all  those  many  times  and  oft  that  I saved 
his  son  fordone  with  Eurystheus’  tasks.  For  he  would 
make  lament  toward  heaven,  and  me  would  Zeus  speed 
forth  from  heaven  to  succour  him.  Had  I but  known  all 
this  in  my  prudent  heart,  what  time  Eurystheus  sent  him 
forth  to  the  house  of  Hades  the  Warder  of  the  Gate,  to 
bring  from  Erebos  the  hound  of  loathed  Hades,  then  had 
he  not  escaped  the  sheer  stream  of  the  water  of  Styx.  But 
now  Zeus  hateth  me,  and  fulfilleth  the  purposes  of  Thetis, 
that  kissed  his  knees  and  with  her  hand  touched  his  beard, 
beseeching  him  to  do  honour  to  Achilles  waster  of  cities. 
Verily  the  day  shall  come  when  he  shall  call  me  again  his 
bright-eyed  darling.  But  now  make  thou  ready  our  whole- 
booved  horses,  while  I enter  in  to  the  palace  of  aegis-bearing  i 


ILIAD  VIII,  376-407 


155 


Zeus  and  gird  me  in  my  armour  for  battle,  that  I may  see  if 
Priam’s  son,  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm,  shall  be  glad  at 
the  appearing  of  us  twain  amid  the  highways  of  the  battle. 
Surely  shall  many  a Trojan  likewise  glut  dogs  and  birds 
with  fat  and  flesh,  fallen  dead  at  the  ships  of  the  Achaians.” 

So  said  she,  and  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera  disre- 
garded not.  So  Hera,  the  goddess  queen,  daughter  of 
great  Kronos,  went  her  way  and  harnessed  the  golden- 
frontleted  steeds ; and  Athene,  daughter  of  aegis-bearing 
Zeus,  cast  down  at  her  father’s  threshold  her  woven  vesture 
many-coloured,  that  herself  had  wrought  and  her  hands  had 
fashioned;  and  put  on  her  the  tunic  of  Zeus  the  cloud- 
gatherer,  and  arrayed  her  in  her  armour  for  dolorous  battle. 
Upon  the  flaming  chariot  set  she  her  foot,  and  grasped  her 
heavy  spear  great  and  stout,  wherewith  she  vanquisheth  the 
ranks  of  men,  even  of  heroes  with  whom  she  of  the  awful 
sire  is  wroth.  Then  Hera  swiftly  smote  the  horses  with  the 
lash ; self-moving  groaned  upon  their  hinges  the  gates  of 
heaven  whereof  the  Hours  are  warders,  to  whom  is  com- 
mitted great  heaven  and  Olympus,  whether  to  throw  open 
the  thick  cloud  or  set  it  to.  There  through  the  gates  guided 
they  their  horses  patient  of  the  lash. 

But  when  father  Zeus  beheld  from  Ida,  he  wras  sore 
wroth,  and  sped  Iris  golden-winged  to  bear  a message  : “Go 
thy  way,  fleet  Iris,  turn  them  back  neither  suffer  them  to 
face  me  ; for  in  no  happy  wise  shall  we  join  in  combat  For 
thus  will  I declare,  and  even  so  shall  the  fulfilment  be ; I 
will  maim  their  fleet  horses  in  the  chariot,  and  them  will  I 
hurl  out  from  the  car,  and  will  break  in  pieces  the  chariot ; 
neither  within  the  courses  of  ten  years  shall  they  heal  them 
of  the  wounds  the  thunderbolt  shall  tear ; that  the  bright- 
eyed  one  may  know  the  end  when  she  striveth  against  her 
father.  But  with  Hera  have  I not  so  great  indignation  nor 


156  ILIAD  VIII,  408-437 

wrath : seeing  it  ever  is  her  wont  to  thwart  me,  whate’er  1 
have  decreed.” 

So  said  he,  and  whirlwind-footed  Iris  arose  to  bear  the 
message,  and  departed  from  the  mountains  of  Ida  unto  high 
Olympus.  And  even  at  the  entrance  of  the  gates  of  Olympus 
many-folded  she  met  them  and  stayed  them,  and  told  them 
the  saying  of  Zeus  : “ Whither  hasten  ye  ? Why  are  youi 
hearts  furious  within  your  breasts?  Kronides  forbiddetb 
you  to  give  the  Argives  succour.  For  thus  the  son  of 
Kronos  threateneth,  even  as  he  will  fulfil ; to  wit,  to  maim 
your  fleet  horses  in  the  chariot,  and  you  will  he  hurl  out 
from  the  car,  and  break  the  chariot  in  pieces ; neither  within 
the  courses  of  ten  years  shall  ye  heal  you  of  the  wounds  that 
the  thunderbolt  shall  tear ; that  thou,  bright-eyed  goddess, 
mayst  know  the  end  when  thou  strivest  against  thy  father. 
But  with  Hera  hath  he  not  so  great  indignation  nor  wrath  a I 
seeing  it  ever  is  her  wont  to  thwart  him,  whate’er  he  have 
decreed.  But  most  fell  art  thou,  reckless  vixen ! if  thou 
indeed  wilt  dare  to  lift  thy  huge  spear  against  the  face  of; 
Zeus.” 

So  said  fleet-footed  Iris,  and  departed ; but  Hera  spake 
to  Athene  and  said  : “ Out  on  it,  thou  child  of  aegis-bearing 
Zeus,  I verily  would  no  more  have  us  war  against  Zeus  for 
mortals’  sake.  Of  them  let  one  man  perish  and  another 
live,  even  as  the  lot  falleth  ; and  for  him,  let  him  take  coun- 
sel for  himself  in  his  heart,  and  give  judgment  for  Trojans 
and  for  Danaans,  as  is  meet.” 

So  saying  she  turned  back  her  whole-hooved  horses. 
Then  the  Hours  unyoked  them  their  beauteous -maned 
horses,  and  tethered  them  to  their  ambrosial  mangers,  and 
leant  the  chariots  against  the  shining  faces  of  the  gateway ; 
and  the  goddesses  sate  them  upon  their  golden  thrones  amid 
the  throng  of  all  the  gods,  and  were  grieved  at  heart 


ILIAD  VIII,  438-470 


157 


And  father  Zeus  drave  from  Ida  his  fair-wheeled  chariot 
and  horses  unto  Olympus,  and  came  unto  the  session  of  the 
gods.  For  him  also  the  noble  Shaker  of  Earth  unyoked  the 
steeds,  and  set  the  car  upon  the  stand,  and  spread  a cloth 
thereover ; and  far-seeing  Zeus  himself  sate  upon  his  golden 
throne,  and  beneath  his  feet  great  Olympus  quaked  Only 
Athene  and  Hera  sate  apart  from  Zeus,  and  spake  no  word 
to  him  neither  questioned  him.  But  he  was  ware  thereof  in 
his  heart,  and  said,  “ Why  are  ye  thus  vexed,  Athene  and 
Hera  ? Surely  ye  are  not  wearied  of  making  havoc  in  glori- 
ous battle  of  the  Trojans,  for  whom  ye  cherish  bitter  hate ! 
Howsoever,  seeing  that  my  might  is  so  great  and  my  hands 
invincible,  all  the  gods  that  are  in  Olympus  could  not  turn 
me : and  for  you  twain,  trembling  erst  gat  hold  upon  your 
bright  limbs  ere  that  ye  beheld  war  and  war’s  fell  deeds. 
For  thus  will  I declare,  and  even  so  had  the  fulfilment  been 
— never  had  ye,  once  smitten  with  the  thunderbolt,  fared  on 
your  chariots  back  unto  Olympus  where  is  the  habitation  of 
the  immortals.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Athene  and  Hera  murmured,  that  were 
sitting  by  him  and  devising  ills  for  the  Trojans.  Now 
Athene  held  her  peace,  and  said  not  anything,  for  wrath  at 
father  Zeus,  and  fierce  anger  gat  hold  upon  her ; but  Hera’s 
heart  contained  not  her  anger,  and  she  spake  : “ Most  dread 
son  of  Kronos,  what  word  is  this  thou  hast  said?  Well 
know  we,  even  we,  that  thy  might  is  no  wise  puny ; yet  still 
have  we  pity  for  the  Danaan  spearmen,  that  now  shall  perish 
md  fill  up  the  measure  of  grievous  fate.  [Yet  will  we  re- 
tain from  battle,  if  thou  biddest  us ; but  counsel  will  we 
)ffer  to  the  Argives,  such  as  shall  profit  them,  that  they 
Derish  not  all  at  thy  wrath.]  ” 

{ And  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  answered  and  said : “At 
norn  shalt  thou  behold  most  mighty  Kronion,  if  thou  wilt 


ILIAD  VIII,  471-503 


158 

have  it  so,  O Hera,  ox-eyed  queen,  making  yet  more  havoc 
of  the  vast  army  of  Argive  spearmen ; for  headlong  Hector 
shall  not  refrain  from  battle  till  that  Peleus’  son  fleet  of  foot 
have  arisen  beside  the  ships,  that  day  when  these  shall  fight 
amid  the  sterns  in  most  grievous  stress,  around  Patroklos 
fallen.  Such  is  the  doom  of  heaven.  And  for  thine  angei 
reck  I not,  not  even  though  thou  go  to  the  nethermost 
bounds  of  earth  and  sea,  where  sit  Iapetos  and  Kronos  and 
have  no  joy  in  the  beams  of  Hyperion  the  Sun-god,  neither 
in  any  breeze,  but  deep  Tartaros  is  round  about  them. 
Though  thou  shouldest  wander  till  thou  come  even  thither, 
yet  reck  I not  of  thy  vexation,  seeing  there  is  no  thing  more 
unabashed  than  thou.” 

So  said  he,  but  white-armed  Hera  spake  him  no  word. 
And  the  sun’s  bright  light  dropped  into  Ocean,  drawing 
black  night  across  Earth  the  grain-giver.  Against  the 
Trojans’  will  daylight  departed,  but  welcome,  thrice  prayed 
for,  to  the  Achaians  came  down  the  murky  night 

Now  glorious  Hector  made  an  assembly  of  the  Trojans, 
taking  them  apart  from  the  ships,  beside  the  eddying  river, 
in  an  open  space  where  was  found  a spot  clear  of  dead 
And  they  came  down  from  their  chariots  to  the  ground  to 
hear  the  word  that  Hector,  dear  unto  Zeus,  proclaimed 
He  in  his  hand  held  his  spear  eleven  cubits  long ; before 
his  face  gleamed  the  spear-head  of  bronze,  and  a ring  of 
gold  ran  round  about  it.  Thereon  he  leaned  and  spake  to 
the  Trojans,  saying : “ Hearken  to  me,  Trojans  and  Dar- 
danians  and  allies.  I thought  but  now  to  make  havoc  of 
the  ships  and  all  the  Achaians  and  depart  back  again  to 
windy  Ilios ; but  dusk  came  too  soon,  and  that  in  chief  hath 
now  saved  the  Argives  and  the  ships  beside  the  beach  of 
the  sea.  So  let  us  now  yield  to  black  night,  and  make  our 
supper  ready ; unyoke  ye  from  the  chariots  your  fair-maned 


ILIAD  VIII,  504-538 


x59 


horses,  and  set  fodder  beside  them.  And  from  the  city 
bring  kine  and  goodly  sheep  with  speed ; and  provide  you 
with  honey-hearted  wine,  and  corn  from  your  houses,  and 
gather  much  wood  withal,  that  all  night  long  until  early- 
springing  dawn  we  may  burn  many  fires,  and  the  gleam 
may  reach  to  heaven  ; lest  perchance  even  by  night  the  flow- 
ing-haired Achaians  strive  to  take  flight  over  the  broad  back 
of  the  sea.  Verily  must  they  not  embark  upon  their  ships 
unvexed,  at  ease  : but  see  ye  that  many  a one  of  them  have 
a wound  to  nurse  even  at  home,  being  stricken  with  arrow 
or  keen-pointed  spear  as  he  leapeth  upon  his  ship ; that  so 
many  another  man  may  dread  to  wage  dolorous  war  on  the 
horse-taming  men  of  Troy.  And  let  the  heralds  dear  to 
Zeus  proclaim  throughout  the  city  that  young  maidens  and  old 
men  of  hoary  heads  camp  round  the  city  on  the  battlements 
builded  of  the  gods  ; and  let  the  women  folk  burn  a great 
fire  each  in  her  hall ; and  let  there  be  a sure  watch  set,  lest  an 
ambush  enter  the  city  when  the  host  is  absent.  Thus  be  it, 

I great-hearted  Trojans,  as  I proclaim;  the  counsel  that  now 
is  sound,  let  that  stand  spoken ; further  will  I proclaim  at 
dawn  amid  the  horse-taming  men  of  Troy.  I pray  with  good 
hope  to  Zeus  and  all  the  gods,  to  drive  from  hence  these 
dogs  borne  onward  by  the  fates,  [them  that  the  fates  bear  on 
in  the  black  ships].  Howbeit  for  the  night  will  we  guard 
our  own  selves,  and  at  morn  by  daybreak,  arrayed  in  our 
armour,  let  us  awake  keen  battle  at  the  hollow  ships.  I 
will  know  whether  Tydeus’  son  stalwart  Diomedes  shall 
thrust  me  from  the  ships  back  to  the  wall,  or  I shall  lay  him 
low  with  my  spear  and  bear  away  his  gory  spoils.  To- 
morrow shall  he  prove  his  valour,  whether  he  can  abide  the 
onslaught  of  my  spear.  But  he  amid  the  foremost,  I ween, 
shall  lie  stricken,  and  many  comrades  round  about  their  lord 
at  the  rising  of  to-morrow’s  sun.  Would  that  I were  im- 


i6o 


ILIAD  VIII,  539-565 


mortal  and  ageless  all  my  days  and  honoured  like  as  Athene 
is  honoured  and  Apollo,  so  surely  as  this  day  bringeth  the 
Argives  ill.” 

So  Hector  made  harangue,  and  the  Trojans  clamoured 
applause.  And  they  loosed  their  sweating  steeds  from  the 
yoke,  and  tethered  them  with  thongs,  each  man  beside  his 
chariot;  and  from  the  city  they  brought  kine  and  goodly 
sheep  with  speed,  and  provided  them  with  honey-hearted 
wine  and  corn  from  their  houses,  and  gathered  much  wood 
withal ; [and  sacrificed  to  the  immortals  unblemished  heca- 
tombs]. And  from  the  plain  the  winds  bare  into  heaven 
the  sweet  savour.  [But  the  blessed  gods  regaled  not  them- 
selves nor  would  they  aught  thereof ; for  sore  was  holy  Ilios 
hated  of  them,  and  Priam  and  the  folk  of  Priam  of  the  good 
ashen  spear.]  But  these  with  high  hopes  sate  them  all 
night  along  the  highways  of  the  battle,  and  their  watch  fires 
burned  in  multitude.  Even  as  when  in  heaven  the  stars 
about  the  bright  moon  shine  clear  to  see,  when  the  air  is 
windless,  and  all  the  peaks  appear  and  the  tall  headlands 
and  glades,  and  from  heaven  breaketh  open  the  infinite  air, 
and  all  stars  are  seen,  and  the  shepherd’s  heart  is  glad  ; even 
in  like  multitude  between  the  ships  and  the  streams  of 
Xanthos  appeared  the  watchfires  that  the  Trojans  kindled 
in  front  of  Ilios.  A thousand  fires  burned  in  the  plain 
and  by  the  side  of  each  sate  fifty  in  the  gleam  of  blazing 
fire.  And  the  horses  champed  white  barley  and  spelt,  and 
standing  by  their  chariots  waited  for  the  throned  Dawn 


BOOK  IX. 


IHov7  Agamemnon  sent  an  embassage  to  Achilles,  beseeching  him  to 
be  appeased  ; and  how  Achilles  denied  him. 

Thus  kept  the  Trojans  watch ; but  the  Achaians  were 
holden  of  heavert-sent  panic,  handmaid  of  palsying  fear,  and 
all  their  best  were  stricken  to  the  heart  with  grief  intolerable. 
Like  as  two  winds  stir  up  the  main,  the  home  of  fishes,  even 
the  north  wind  and  the  west  wind  that  blow  from  Thrace, 
coming  suddenly;  and  the  dark  billow  straightway  lifteth 
up  its  crest  and  casteth  much  tangle  out  along  the  sea ; even 
so  was  the  Achaians’  spirit  troubled  in  their  breast. 

But  Atreides  was  stricken  to  the  heart  with  sore  grief, 
and  went  about  bidding  the  clear-voiced  heralds  summon 
every  man  by  name  to  the  assembly,  but  not  to  shout  aloud  ; 
and  himself  he  toiled  amid  the  foremost  So  they  sat 
sorrowful  in  assembly,  and  Agamemnon  stood  up  weeping 
like  unto  a fountain  of  dark  water  that  from  a beetling  cliff 
poureth  down  its  black  stream ; even  so  with  deep  groaning 
he  spake  amid  the  Argives  and  said  : “ My  friends,  leaders 
md  captains  of  the  Argives,  Zeus  son  of  Kronos  hath  bound 
me  with  might  in  grievous  blindness  of  soul ; hard  of  heart 
s he,  for  that  erewhile  he  promised  and  gave  his  pledge  that 
rot  till  I had  laid  waste  well-walled  Ilios  should  I depart, 
iut  now  hath  planned  a cruel  wile,  and  biddeth  me  return 
n dishonour  to  Argos  with  the  loss  of  many  of  my  folk 


162 


ILIAD  IX,  22-54 


Such  meseemeth  is  the  good  pleasure  of  most  mighty  ! 
Zeus,  that  hath  laid  low  the  heads  of  many  cities,  yea  and  1 
shall  lay  low ; for  his  is  highest  power.  So  come,  even  as  : 
I shall  bid  let  us  all  obey ; let  us  flee  with  our  ships  to 
our  dear  native  land,  for  now  shall  we  never  take  wide-wayed  ' 
Troy.” 

So  said  he,  and  they  all  held  their  peace  and  kept  1 
silence.  Long  time  were  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  voiceless  1 
for  grief,  but  at  the  last  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  spake 
amid  them  and  said : “ Atreides,  with  thee  first  in  thy  folly 
will  I contend,  where  it  is  just,  O king,  even  in  the  assembly ; 
be  not  thou  wroth  therefor.  My  valour  didst  thou  blame  in 
chief  amid  the  Danaans,  and  saidst  that  I*  was  no  man  of 
war  but  a coward ; and  all  this  know  the  Argives  both  young 
and  old.  But  the  son  of  crooked-counselling  Kronos  hath 
endowed  thee  but  by  halves ; he  granted  thee  to  have  the 
honour  of  the  sceptre  above  all  men,  but  valour  he  gave 
thee  not,  wherein  is  highest  power.  Sir,  deemest  thou  that 
the  sons  of  the  Achaians  are  thus  indeed  cowards  and 
weaklings  as  thou  sayest  ? But  and  if  thine  own  heart  be 
set  on  departing,  go  thy  way ; the  way  is  before  thee,  and 
thy  ships  stand  beside  the  sea,  even  the  great  multitude  that 
followed  thee  from  Mykene.  But  all  the  other  flowing- 
haired Achaians  will  tarry  here  until  we  lay  waste  Troy, 
Nay,  let  them  too  flee  on  their  ships  to  their  dear  native 
land ; yet  will  we  twain,  even  I and  Sthenelos,  fight  till  we 
attain  the  goal  of  Ilios ; for  in  God’s  name  are  we  come.” 

So  said  he,  and  all  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  shouted 
aloud,  applauding  the  saying  of  horse-taming  Diomedes. 
Then  knightly  Nestor  arose  and  said  amid  them:  “ Tydeides, 
in  battle  art  thou  passing  mighty,  and  in  council  art  thou 
best  among  thine  equals  in  years ; none  of  all  the  Achaians 
will  make  light  of  thy  word  nor  gainsay  it ; but  thou 


ILIAD  IX,  55-89 


163 


hast  not  made  a full  end  of  thy  words.  Moreover  thou  art 
a young  man  indeed,  and  mightest  even  be  my  son,  my 
youngest -born  ; yet  thou  counsellest  prudently  the  princes  of 
the  Achaians,  because  thou  speakest  according  unto  right 
But  lo,  I that  avow  me  to  be  older  than  thou  will  speak 
forth  and  expound  everything;  neither  shall  any  man  de- 
spise my  saying,  not  even  the  lord  Agamemnon.  A tribeless, 
lawless,  homeless  man  is  he  that  loveth  bitter  civil  strife. 
Howbeit  now  let  us  yield  to  black  night  and  make  ready 
our  meal ; and  let  the  sentinels  bestow  them  severally  along 
the  deep-delved  foss  without  the  wall.  This  charge  give  I 
to  the  ybung  men ; and  thou,  Atreides,  lead  then  the  way, 
for  thou  art  the  most  royal.  Spread  thou  a feast  for  the 
Councillors  ; that  is  thy  place  and  seemly  for  thee.  Thy  huts 
ire  full  of  wine  that  the  ships  of  the  Achaians  bring  thee  by 
day  from  Thrace  across  the  wide  sea ; all  entertainment  is 
'for  thee,  being  king  over  many.  In  the  gathering  of  many 
ishalt  thou  listen  to  him  that  deviseth  the  most  excellent 
bounsel ; sore  need  have  all  the  Achaians  of  such  as  is  good 
md  prudent,  because  hard  by  the  ships  our  foemen  are 
puming  their  watch-fires  in  multitude ; what  man  can  re- 
joice thereat  ? This  night  shall  either  destroy  or  save  the 
lost.” 

So  said  be,  and  they  gladly  hearkened  to  him  and 
obeyed.  Forth  sallied  the  sentinels  in  their  harness,  around 
Thrasymedes  Nestor’s  son,  shepherd  of  the  host,  and 
\skalaphos  and  Ialmenos  sons  of  Ares,  and  Meriones  and 
\phareus  and  Dei'pyros  and  Kreion’s  son  noble  Lykomedes. 
seven  were  the  captains  of  the  sentinels,  and  with  each  went 
fivescore  young  men  bearing  their  long  spears  in  their 
■lands ; and  they  took  post  midway  betwixt  foss  and  wall, 
md  kindled  a fire  and  made  ready  each  man  his  meaL 
j Then  Atreides  gathered  the  councillors  of  the  Achaians, 


164 


ILIAD  IX,  90-121 


and  led  them  to  his  hut,  and  spread  before  them  an  | 
abundant  feast  So  they  put  forth  their  hands  to  the 
good  cheer  that  lay  before  them.  And  when  they  had  put 
away  from  them  the  desire  of  meat  and  drink,  then  the 
old  man  first  began  to  weave  his  counsel,  even  Nestor, 
whose  rede  of  old  time  was  approved  the  best.  He  of  good 
intent  spake  to  them  and  said  : “ Most  noble  son  of  Atreus, 
Agamemnon  king  of  men,  in  thy  name  will  I end  and  with 
thy  name  begin,  because  thou  art  king  over  many  hosts, 
and  to  thy  hand  Zeus  hath  entrusted  sceptre  and  law,  that 
thou  mayest  take  counsel  for  thy  folk.  Thee  therefore 
more  than  any  it  behoveth  both  to  speak  and  hearken,  and 
to  accomplish  what  another  than  thou  may  say,  when  his 
heart  biddeth  him  speak  for  profit : wheresoever  thou 
leadest  all  shall  turn  on  thee,  so  I will  speak  as  meseemeth 
best.  No  other  man  shall  have  a more  excellent  thought 
than  this  that  I bear  in  mind  from  old  time  even  until  now, 
since  the  day  when  thou,  O heaven-sprung  king,  didst  go 
and  take  the  damsel  Briseis  from  angry  Achilles’  hut  by  no 
consent  of  ours.  Nay,  I right  heartily  dissuaded  thee ; but 
thou  yieldedst  to  thy  proud  spirit,  and  dishonouredst  a man 
of  valour  whom  even  the  immortals  honoured;  for  thou 
didst  take  and  keepest  from  him  his  meed  of  valour.  Still 
let  us  even  now  take  thought  how  we  may  appease  him  and 
persuade  him  with  gifts  of  friendship  and  kindly  words.” 

And  Agamemnon  king  of  men  answered  and  said  to  him : 

“ Old  sir,  in  no  false  wise  hast  thou  accused  my  folly.  Fool 
was  I,  I myself  deny  it  not  Worth  many  hosts  is  he 
whom  Zeus  loveth  in  his  heart,  even  as  now  he  honoureth 
this  man  and  destroyeth  the  host  of  the  Achaians.  But 
seeing  I was  a fool  in  that  I yielded  to  my  sorry  passion,  I 
will  make  amends  and  give  a recompense  beyond  telling 
In  the  midst  of  you  all  I will  name  the  excellent  gifts ; 


ILIAD  IX,  122-156  165 

seven  tripods  untouched  of  fire,  and  ten  talents  of  gold  and 
twenty  gleaming  caldrons,  and  twelve  stalwart  horses,  winners 
in  the  race,  that  have  taken  prizes  by  their  speed  No 
lackwealth  were  that  man,  neither  undowered  of  precious 
gold,  whose  substance  were  as  great  as  the  prizes  my  whole- 
hooved  steeds  have  borne  me  off.  And  seven  women  wdll 
1 give,  skilled  in  excellent  handiwork,  Lesbians  whom  1 
chose  me  from  the  spoils  the  day  that  he  himself  took 
stablished  Lesbos,  surpassing  womankind  in  beauty.  These 
will  I give  hirp,  and  with  them  shall  be  she  whom  erst  I 
took  from  him,  even  the  daughter  of  Briseus ; moreover  I 
will  swear  a great  oath  that  never  I went  up  into  her  bed  nor 
had  with  her  converse  as  is  the  wont  of  mankind,  even  of 
men  and  women.  All  these  things  shall  be  set  straightway 
before  him  j and  if  hereafter  the  gods  grant  us  to  lay  waste 
the  great  city  of  Priam,  then  let  him  enter  in  when  we 
Achaians  be  dividing  the  spoil,  and  lade  his  ship  full  of  gold 
and  bronze,  and  himself  choose  twenty  Trojan  women,  the 
fairest  that  there  be  after  Helen  of  Argos.  And  if  we  win 
to  the  richest  of  lands,  even  Achaian  Argos,  he  shall  be  my 
son  and  I will  hold  him  in  like  honour  with  Orestes,  my 
stripling  boy  that  is  nurtured  in  all  abundance.  Three 
daughters  are  mine  in  my  well-builded  hall,  Chrysothemis  and 
Laodike  and  Iphianassa ; let  him  take  of  them  which  he  will, 
without  gifts  of  wooing,  to  Peleus’  house ; and  I will  add 
ii  great  dower  such  as  no  man  ever  yet  gave  with  his 
daughter.  And  seven  well-peopled  cities  will  I give  him, 
iCardamyle  and  Enope  and  grassy  Hire  and  holy  Pherai  and 
Antheia  deep  in  meads,  and  fair  Aipeia  and  Pedasos  land  of 
dnes.  And  all  are  nigh  to  the  salt  sea,  on  the  uttermost 
border  of  sandy  Pylos ; therein  dwell  men  abounding  in  flocks 
tnd  kine,  men  that  shall  worship  him  like  a god  with  gifts, 
jmd  beneath  his  swray  fulfil  hu  prosperous  ordinances.  Al! 


i66 


ILIAD  IX,  157-187 


this  will  I accomplish  so  he  but  cease  from  wrath.  Let  hiui 
yield  ; Hades  I ween  is  not  to  be  softened  neither  overcome, 
and  therefore  is  he  hatefullest  of  all  gods  to  mortals.  Yea, 
let  him  be  ruled  by  me,  inasmuch  as  I am  more  royal  and 
avow  me  to  be  the  elder  in  years.” 

Then  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  answered  and  said: 
“ Most  noble  son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon  king  of  men,  now 
are  these  gifts  not  lightly  to  be  esteemed  that  thou  offerest 
king  Achilles.  Come  therefore,  let  us  speed  forth  picked 
men  to  go  with  all  haste  to  the  hut  of  Peleus’  son  Achilles. 
Lo  now,  whomsoever  I appoint  let  them  consent.  First  let 
Phoinix  dear  to  Zeus  lead  the  way,  and  after  him  great  Aias 
and  noble  Odysseus ; and  for  heralds  let  Odios  and  Eury- 
bates  be  their  companions.  And  now  bring  water  for  our 
hands,  and  bid  keep  holy  silence,  that  we  may  pray  unto 
Zeus  the  son  of  Kronos,  if  perchance  he  will  have  mercy 
upon  us.” 

So  said  he,  and  spake  words  that  were  well-pleasing  unto 
all.  Forthwith  the  heralds  poured  water  on  their  hands, 
and  the  young  men  crowned  the  bowls  with  drink  and  gave 
each  man  his  portion  after  they  had  poured  the  libation  in 
the  cups.  And  when  they  had  made  libation  and  drunk  as 
their  heart  desired,  they  issued  forth  from  the  hut  of  Aga- 
memnon son  of  Atreus.  And  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia 
gave  them  full  charge,  with  many  a glance  to  each,  and 
chiefest  to  Odysseus,  how  they  should  essay  to  prevail  on 
Peleus'  noble  son. 

So  the  twain  went  along  the  shore  of  the  loud-sounding 
sea,  making  instant  prayer  to  the  earth-embracer,  the  Shaker, 
of  the  Earth,  that  they  might  with  ease  prevail  on  Aiakides1 
great  heart.  So  they  came  to  the  huts  and  ships  of  the 
Myrmidons,  and  found  their  king  taking  his  pleasure  of  a 
loud  lyre,  fair,  of  curious  work,  with  a silver  cross-bar  upon  it 


ILIAD  IX,  188-219 


167 


one  that  he  had  taken  from  the  spoils  when  he  laid  Eetion’s 
city  waste.  Therein  he  was  delighting  his  soul,  and  singing 
the  glories  of  heroes.  And  over  against  him  sate  Patroklos 
alone  in  silence,  watching  till  Aiakides  should  cease  from  sing- 
ing. So  the  twain  came  forward,  and  noble  Odysseus  led  the 
way,  and  they  stood  before  his  face ; and  Achilles  sprang  up 
amazed  with  the  lyre  in  his  hand,  and  left  the  seat  w-here 
he  was  sitting,  and  in  like  manner  Patroklos  when  he  beheld 
the  men  arose.  Then  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  greeted  them 
and  said : “ Welcome  ; verily  ye  are  friends  that  are  come — 
sore  indeed  is  the  need — even  ye  that  are  dearest  of  the 
Achaians  to  me  even  in  my  wuath.” 

So  spake  noble  Achilles  and  led  them  forward,  and  made 
them  sit  on  settles  and  carpets  of  purple  ; and  anon  he  spake 
to  Patroklos  being  near : “ Bring  forth  a greater  bowl,  thou 
son  of  Menoitios ; mingle  stronger  drink,  and  prepare  each 
man  a cup,  for  dearest  of  men  are  these  that  are  under  my 
roof." 

So  said  he,  and  Patroklos  hearkened  to  his  dear  com- 
rade. He  cast  down  a great  fleshing-block  in  the  fire-light, 
.and  laid  thereon  a sheep’s  back  and  a fat  goat’s,  and  a great 
hog’s  chine  rich  with  fat.  And  Automedon  held  them  for 
[him,  while  Achilles  carved.  Then  he  sliced  well  the  meat 
and  pierced  it  through  with  spits,  and  Menoitios’  son,  that 
godlike  hero,  made  the  fire  burn  high.  Then  when  the  fire 
was  burned  down  and  the  flame  waned,  he  scattered  the 
embers  and  laid  the  spits  thereover,  resting  them  on  the 
spit-racks,  when  he  had  sprinkled  them  with  holy  salt.  Then 
vhen  he  had  roasted  the  meat  and  apportioned  it  in  the 
flatters,  Patroklos  took  bread  and  dealt  it  forth  on  the  table 
n fair  baskets,  and  Achilles  dealt  the  meat.  And  he  sate 
iim  over  against  godlike  Odysseus  by  the  other  wall,  and 
>ade  his  comrade  Patroklos  do  sacrifice  to  the  gods ; so  he 


1 68 


ILIAD  IX,  220-252 


cast  the  first-fruits  into  the  fire.  Then  put  they  forth  theu 
hands  to  the  good  cheer  lying  before  them.  And  when  they 
had  put  from  them  the  desire  of  meat  and  drink,  Aias 
nodded  to  Phoinix.  But  noble  Odysseus  marked  it,  and 
filled  a cup  with  wine  and  pledged  Achilles  : “ Hail,  0 
Achilles  ! The  fair  feast  lack  we  not  either  in  the  hut  ol 
Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus  neither  now  in  thine ; for  feasting 
is  there  abundance  to  our  heart’s  desire,  but  our  thought  is 
not  for  matters  of  the  delicious  feast ; nay,  we  behold  very 
sore  destruction,  thou  fosterling  of  Zeus,  and  are  afraid 
Now  is  it  in  doubt  whether  we  save  the  benched  ships  or 
behold  them  perish,  if  thou  put  not  on  thy  might  Nigh 
unto  ships  and  wall  have  the  high-hearted  Trojans  and 
famed  allies  pitched  their  camp,  and  kindled  many  fires 
throughout  their  host,  and  ween  that  they  shall  no  more  be 
withheld  but  will  fall  on  our  black  ships.  And  Zeus  son  of 
Kronos  sheweth  them  signs  upon  the  right  by  lightning,  and 
Hector  greatly  exulteth  in  his  might  and  rageth  furiously, 
trusting  in  Zeus,  and  recketh  not  of  god  nor  man,  for 
mighty  madness  hath  possessed  him.  He  prayeth  bright 
Dawn  to  shine  forth  with  all  speed,  for  he  hath  passed  his 
word  to  smite  off  from  the  ships  the  ensigns’  tops,  and  to 
fire  the  hulls  with  devouring  flame,  and  hard  thereby  to 
make  havoc  of  the  Achaians  confounded  by  the  smoke. 
Therefore  am  I sore  afraid  in  my  heart  lest  the  gods  fulfil 
his  boastings,  and  it  be  fated  for  us  to  perish  here  in  Troy- , 
land,  far  from  Argos  pasture-land  of  horses.  Up  then ! if 
thou  art  minded  even  at  the  last  to  save  the  failing  sons  of 
the  Achaians  from  the  war-din  of  the  Trojans.  Thyself 
shalt  have  grief  hereafter,  and  when  the  ill  is  done  is  there 
no  way  to  find  a cure  therefor ; in  good  time  rather  take 
thou  thought  to  ward  the  evil  day  from  the  Danaans.  Friend, 
surely  to  thee  thy  father  Peleus  gave  commandment  the  day 


ILIAD  IX,  253-286 


169 


he  sent  thee  to  Agamemnon  forth  from  Phthia : ‘ My  son, 

' strength  shall  Athene  and  Hera  give  thee  if  they  will ; but 
do  thou  refrain  thy  proud  soul  in  thy  breast,  for  gentle 
mindedness  is  the  better  part;  and  withdraw  from  mis- 
chievous strife,  that  so  the  Argives  may  honour  thee  the 
more,  both  young  and  old.’  Thus  the  old  man  charged 
: thee,  but  thou  forgettesL  Yet  cease  now  at  the  last,  and 
■ eschew  thy  grievous  wrath  ; Agamemnon  offereth  thee  worthy 
gifts,  so  thou  wilt  cease  from  anger.  Lo  now,  hearken  thou 
to  me,  and  I will  tell  thee  all  the  gifts  that  in  his  hut  Aga- 
memnon promised  thee  : seven  tripods  untouched  of  fire, 
and  ten  talents  of  gold  and  twenty  gleaming  caldrons  and 
twelve' stalwart  horses,  winners  in  the  race,  that  have  taken 
prizes  by  their  speed.  No  lackwealth  were  that  man,  neither 
undowered  of  precious  gold,  whose  substance  were  as  great 
as  the  prizes  Agamemnon’s  steeds  have  borne  him  off.  And 
seven  women  will  he  give,  skilled  in  excellent  handiwork, 
Lesbians  whom  he  chose  him  from  the  spoils  the  day  that 
thou  thyself  tookest  Lesbos,  surpassing  womankind  in  beauty. 
These  will  he  give  thee,  and  with  them  shall  be  she  whom  erst 
he  took  from  thee,  even  the  daughter  of  Briseus;  moreover  he 
i will  swear  a great  oath  that  never  he  went  up  into  her  bed 
nor  had  with  her  converse  as  is  the  wont  of  mankind,  O 
king,  even  of  men  and  women.  All  these  things  shall  be  set 
: straightway  before  thee  ; and  if  hereafter  the  gods  grant  us 
i to  lay  waste  the  great  city  of  Priam,  then  enter  thou  in  when 
we  Achaians  be  dividing  the  spoil,  and  lade  thy  ship  full  of 
I gold  and  bronze,  and  thyself  choose  twenty  Trojan  women, 
the  fairest  that  there  be  after  Helen  of  Argos.  And  if  we 
win  to  the  richest  of  lands,  even  Achaian  Argos,  thou  shait 
1 be  his  son  and  he  will  hold  thee  in  like  honour  with  Orestes, 
his  stripling  boy  that  is  nurtured  in  all  abundance.  Three 
daughters  are  his  in  his  well-builded  hall,  Chry  so  therms  and 


ILIAD  IX,  287-320 


170 

Laodike  and  Iphianassa ; take  thou  of  them  which  thou  wilt, 
without  gifts  of  wooing,  to  Peleus’  house  ; and  he  will  add  a 
great  dower  such  as  no  man  ever  yet  gave  with  his  daughter. 
And  seven  well -peopled  cities  will  he  give  thee,  Kardamyle 
and  Enope  and  grassy  Hire  and  holy  Pherai  and  Antheia  deep 
in  meads,  and  fair  Aipeia  and  Pedasos  land  of  vines.  And 
all  are  nigh  to  the  sea,  on  the  uttermost  border  of  sandy 
Pylos ; therein  dwell  men  abounding  in  flocks  and  kine,  men 
that  shall  worship  thee  like  a god  with  gifts,  and  beneath 
thy  sway  fulfil  thy  prosperous  ordinances.  All  this  will  he 
accomplish  so  thou  but  cease  from  wrath.  But  and  if  Aga- 
memnon be  too  hateful  to  thy  heart,  both  he  and  his  gifts, 
yet  have  thou  pity  on  all  the  Achaians  that  faint  throughout 
the  host ; these  shall  honour  thee  as  a god,  for  verily  thou 
wilt  earn  exceeding  great  glory  at  their  hands.  Yea  now 
mightest  thou  slay  Hector,  for  he  would  come  very  near 
thee  in  his  deadly  madness,  because  he  deemeth  that  there 
is  no  man  like  unto  him  among  the  Danaans  that  the 
ships  brought  hither.” 

And  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  answered  and  said  unto  him ; 
“ Heaven-sprung  son  of  Laertes,  Odysseus  of  many  wiles,  in 
openness  must  I now  declare  unto  you  my  saying,  even  as  I 
am  minded  and  as  the  fulfilment  thereof  shall  be,  that  ye 
may  not  sit  before  me  and  coax  this  way  and  that  For 
hateful  to  me  even  as  the  gates  of  hell  is  he  that  hideth  one 
thing  in  his  heart  and  uttereth  another : but  I will  speak 
what  meseerneth  best.  Not  me,  I ween,  shall  Agamemnon 
son  of  Atreus  persuade,  nor  the  other  Danaans,  seeing 
we  were  to  have  no  thank  for  battling  with  the  foemen  ever 
without  respite.  He  that  abideth  at  home  hath  equal  share 
with  him  that  fighteth  his  best,  and  in  like  honour  are  held 
both  the  coward  and  the  brave ; death  cometh  alike  to  the 
untoiling  and  to  him  that  hath  toiled  long.  Neither  have  I 


ILIAD  IX,  321-354 


i 7 1 


any  profit  for  that  I endured  tribulation  of  soul,  ever  staking 
my  life  in  fight  J Even  as  a hen  bringeth  her  unfledged 
thickens  each  morsel  as  she  winneth  it,  and  with  herself  it 
goeth  hard,  even  so  I was  wont  to  watch  out  many  a sleep- 
less night  and  pass  through  many  bloody  days  of  battle, 
warring  with  folk  for  their  women’s  sake.  Twelve  cities  of 
men  have  I laid  waste  from  ship-board,  and  from  land  eleven, 
I do  you  to  wit,  throughout  deep-soiled  Troy-land  ; out  of  all 
these  took  I many  goodly  treasures  and  would  bring  and 
give  them  all  to  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus,  and  he  staying 
behind  amid  the  fleet  ships  would  take  them  and  portion 
out  some  few  but  keep  the  most.  Now  some  he  gave  to  be 
meeds  of  honour  to  the  princes  and  the  kings,  and  theirs 
are  left  untouched ; only  from  me  of  all  the  Achaians  took 
he  my  darling  lady  and  keepeth  her — let  him  sleep  beside 
her  and  take  his  joy  ! /But  why  must  the  Argives  make  war 
on  the  Trojans  ? jwhy  nath  Atreides  gathered  his  host  and 
led  them  hither Y is  it  not  for  lovely-haired  Helen’s  sake? 
Do  then  the  sons  of  Atreus  alone  of  mortal  men  love  their 
wives  ? surely  whatsoever  man  is  good  and  sound  of  mind 
loveth  his  own  and  cherisheth  her,  even  as  I too  loved  mine 
with  all  my  heart,  though  but  the  captive  of  my  spear./  But 
now  that  he  hath  taken  my  meed  of  honour  from  mine  arms 
and  hath  deceived  me,  let  him  not  tempt  me  that  know  him 
full  well ; he  shall  not  prevail.  / Nay,  Odysseus,  let  him  take 
counsel  with  thee  and  all  the  princes  to  ward  from  the  ships 
the  consuming  fire.  Verily  without  mine  aid  he  hath 
wrought  many  things,  and  built  a wall  and  dug  a foss  about 
it  wide  and  deep,  and  set  a palisade  therein ; yet  even  so 
can  he  not  stay  murderous  Hector’s  might  But  so  long  as 
I was  fighting  amid  the  Achaians,  Hector  Had  no  mind  to 
array  his  battle  far  from  the  wall,  but  scarce  came  unto  the 
Skaian  gates  and  to  the  oak-tree ; there  once  he  awaited 


172 


ILIAD  IX,  355-387 


me  alone  and  scarce  escaped  my  onset  But  now,  seeing 
I have  no  mind  to  fight  with  noble  Hector,  I will  to- 
morrow do  sacrifice  to  Zeus  and  all  the  gods,  and  store  well 
my  ships  when  I have  launched  them  on  the  salt  sea — then 
shalt  thou  see,  if  thou  wilt  and  hast  any  care  therefor,  my 
ships  sailing  at  break  of  day  over  Hellespont,  the  fishes’ 
home,  and  my  men  right  eager  at  the  oar ; and  if  the  great 
Shaker  of  the  Earth  grant  me  good  journey,  on  the  third  day 
should  I reach  deep-soiled  Phthia.  There  are  my  great  pos- 
sessions that  I left  when  I came  hither  to  my  hurt ; and  yet 
more  gold  and  ruddy  bronze  shall  I bring  from  hence,  and 
fair-girdled  women  and  grey  iron,  all  at  least  that  were  mine  by 
lot ; only  my  meed  of  honour  hath  he  that  gave  it  me  taken 
back  in  his  despitefulness,  even  lord  Agamemnon  son  oi 
Atreus.  To  him  declare  ye  everything  even  as  I charge 
you,  openly,  that  all  the  Achaians  likewise  may  have  in- 
dignation, if  haply  he  hopeth  to  beguile  yet  some  other 
Danaan,  for  that  he  is  ever  clothed  in  shamelessness. 
Verily  not  in  my  face  would  he  dare  to  look,  though  he 
have  the  front  of  a dog.  Neither  will  I devise  counsel  with 
him  nor  any  enterprise,  for  utterly  he  hath  deceived  me  and 
done  wickedly ; but  never  again  shall  he  beguile  me  with 
fair  speech — let  this  suffice  him.  Let  him  begone  in  peace;  j 
Zeus  the  lord  of  counsel  hath  taken  away  his  wits.  Hateful 
to  me  are  his  gifts,  and  I hold  him  at  a straw’s  worth.  Not 
even  if  he  gave  me  ten  times,  yea  twenty,  all  that  now  is  his, 
and  all  that  may  come  to  him  otherwhence,  even  all  the 
revenue  of  Orchomenos  or  Egyptian  Thebes  where  the 
treasure-houses  are  stored  fullest — Thebes  of  the  hundred 
gates,  whence  sally  forth  two  hundred  warriors  through  each  ' 
with  horses  and  chariots — nay,  nor  gifts  in  number  as  sand 
or  dust ; not  even  so  shall  Agamemnon  persuade  my  soul 
till  he  have  paid  me  back  all  the  bitter  despite.  And  the 


ILIAD  IX,  388-422 


173 


daughter  of  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus  will  I not  wed,  not 
were  she  rival  of  golden  Aphrodite  for  fairness  and  for 
handiwork  matched  bright-eyed  Athene — not  even  then  will 
I wed  her ; let  him  choose  him  of  the  Achaians  another  that 
is  his  peer  and  is  more  royal  than  I.  For  if  the  gods  indeed 
preserve  me  and  I come  unto  my  home,  then  will  Peleus 
himself  seek  me  a wife.  Many  Achaian  maidens  are  there 
throughout  Hellas  and  Phthia,  daughters  of  princes  that 
ward  their  cities  ; whomsoever  of  these  I wish  will  I make  my 
dear  lady.  Very  often  was  my  high  soul  moved  to  take  me 
there  a wedded  wife,  a help  meet  for  me,  and  have  joy  of 
the  possessions  that  the  old  man  Peleus  possesseth.  For 
not  of  like  worth  with  life  hold  1 even  all  the  wealth  that 
men  say  was  possessed  of  the  well-peopled  city  of  Ilios  in 
days  of  peace  gone  by,  before  the  sons  of  the  Achaians 
came ; neither  all  the  treasure  that  the  stone  threshold  of 
the  archer  Phoebus  Apollo  encompasseth  in  rocky  Pytho. 
For  kine  and  goodly  flocks  are  to  be  had  for  the  harrying, 
and  tripods  and  chestnut  horses  for  the  purchasing ; but  to 
bring  back  man’s  life  neither  harrying  nor  earning  availeth 
when  once  it  hath  passed  the  barrier  of  his  lips.  For  thus 
my  goddess  mother  telleth  me,  Thetis  the  silver-footed,  that 
twain  fates  are  bearing  me  to  the  issue  of  death.  If  I abide 
here  and  besiege  the  Trojans’  city,  then  my  returning  home 
is  taken  from  me,  but  my  fame  shall  be  imperishable  j but 
if  I go  home  to  my  dear  native  land,  my  high  fame  is  taken 
from  me,  but  my  life  shall  endure  long  while,  neither  shall 
the  issue  of  death  soon  reach  me.  Moreover  I would 
counsel  you  all  to  set  sail  homeward,  seeing  ye  shall  never 
reach  your  goal  of  steep  Ilios ; of  a surety  far-seeing  Zeus 
holdeth  his  hand  over  her  and  her  folk  are  of  good  courage. 
So  go  your  way  and  tell  my  answer  to  the  princes  of  the 
Achaians,  even  as  is  the  office  of  elders,  that  they  may 


174 


ILIAD  IX,  423-454 


devise  in  their  hearts  some  other  better  counsel,  such  as 
shall  save  them  their  ships  and  the  host  of  the  Achaians 
amid  the  hollow  ships  : since  this  counsel  availeth  them 
naught  that  they  have  now  devised,  by  reason  of  my  fierce 
wrath.  But  let  Phoinix  now  abide  with  us  and  lay  him  to 
rest,  that  he  may  follow  with  me  on  my  ships  to  our  dear 
native  land  to-morrow,  if  he  will ; for  I will  not  take  him 
perforce.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  all  held  their  peace  and  were 
still,  and  marvelled  at  his  saying ; for  he  denied  them  very 
vehemently.  But  at  the  last  spake  to  them  the  old  knight 
Phoinix,  bursting  into  tears,  because  he  was  sore  afraid  for  the 
ships  of  the  Achaians  : “ If  indeed  thou  ponderest  departure 
in  thy  heart,  glorious  Achilles,  and  hast  no  mind  at  all  to 
save  the  fleet  ships  from  consuming  fire,  because  that  wrath 
hath  entered  into  thy  heart;  how  can  I be  left  of  thee, 
dear  son,  alone  thereafter?  To  thee  did  the  old  knight 
Peleus  send  me  the  day  he  sent  thee  to  Agamemnon  forth 
from  Phthia,  a stripling  yet  unskilled  in  equal  war  and  in 
debate  wherein  men  wax  pre-eminent  Therefore  sent  he 
me  to  teach  thee  all  these  things,  to  be  both  a speaker  of 
words  and  a doer  of  deeds.  So  would  I not  be  left  alone 
of  thee,  dear  son,  not  even  if  god  himself  should  take  on 
him  to  strip  my  years  from  me,  and  make  me  fresh  and 
young  as  in  the  day  when  first  I left  Hellas  the  home  of  fair 
women,  fleeing  from  strife  against  my  father  Amyntor  son  of 
Onnenos  : for  he  was  sore  angered  with  me  by  reason  of  his 
lovely-haired  concubine,  whom  he  ever  cherished  and  wronged 
his  wife  my  mother.  So  she  besought  me  continually  by 
my  knees  to  go  in  first  unto  the  concubine,  that  the  old 
man  might  be  hateful  to  her.  I hearkened  to  her  and  did 
the  deed  ; but  my  sire  was  ware  thereof  forthwith  and  cursed 
me  mightily,  and  called  the  dire  Erinyes  to  look  that  never 


ILIAD  IX,  455-488 


T75 


should  any  dear  son  sprung  of  my  body  sit  upon  my  1 knees  : 
and  the  gods  fulfilled  his  curse,  even  Zeus  of  the  under- 
world and  dread  Persephone.  [Then  took  I counsel  to  slay 
him  with  the  keen  sword ; but  some  immortal  stayed  mine 
anger,  bringing  to  my  mind  the  people’s  voice  and  all  the 
reproaches  of  men,  lest  I should  be  called  a father-slayer 
amid  the  Achaians.]  Then  would  my  soul  no  more  be 
refrained  at  all  within  my  breast  to  tarry  in  the  halls  of 
mine  angered  father.  Now  my  fellows  and  my  kinsmen 
came  about  me  with  many  prayers,  and  refrained  me  there 
within  the  halls,  and  slaughtered  many  goodly  sheep  and 
shambling  kine  with  crooked  horns ; and  many  swine  rich 
with  fat  were  stretched  to  singe  over  the  flames  of  Hephaistos, 
and  wine  from  that  old  man*  jars  was  drunken  without  stint 
Nine  nights  long  slept  they  all  night  around  my  body;  they 
kept  watch  in  turn,  neither  were  the  fires  quenched,  one 
beneath  the  colonnade  of  the  fenced  courtyard  and  another 
in  the  porch  before  the  chamber  doors.  But  when  the 
tenth  dark  night  was  come  upon  me,  then  burst  I my 
cunningly  fitted  chamber  doors,  and  issued  forth  and  over- 
i leapt  the  courtyard  fence  lightly,  unmarked  of  watchmen 
and  handmaidens.  Then  fled  I far  through  Hellas  of  wide 
lawns,  and  came  to  deep-soiled  Phthia,  mother  of  flocks, 
even  unto  king  Peleus ; and  he  received  me  kindly  and 
cherished  me  as  a father  cherisheth  his  only  son,  his  strip- 
ling heir  of  great  possessions ; and  he  made  me  rich  and 
gave  much  people  to  me,  and  I dwelt  in  the  uttermost  part 
of  Phthia  and  was  king  over  the  Dolopians.  Yea,  I reared 
thee  to  this  greatness,  thou  godlike  Achilles,  with  my  heart’s 
love ; for  with  none  other  wouldest  thou  go  unto  the  feast, 
neither  take  meat  in  the  hall,  till  that  I had  set  thee  upon 

1 Or  “his  knees,”  according  to  the  more  usual  interpretation  of 

Arts 

’ 


ILIAD  IX,  489-520 


1 76 

my  knees  and  stayed  thee  with  the  savoury  morsel  cut  first 
for  thee,  and  put  the  wine-cup  to  thy  lips.  Oft  hast  thou 
stained  the  doublet  on  my  breast  with  sputtering  of  wine 
in  thy  sorry  helplessness.  Thus  I suffered  much  with  thee 
and  much  I toiled,  being  mindful  that  the  gods  in  nowise 
created  any  issue  of  my  body ; but  I made  thee  my  son, 
thou  godlike  Achilles,  that  thou  mayest  yet  save  me 
from  grievous  destruction.  Therefore,  Achilles,  rule  thy 
high  spirit]  neither  beseemeth  it  thee  to  have  a ruthless 
heart  Nay,  even  the  very  gods  can  bend,  and  theirs  withal 
is  loftier  majesty  and  honour  and  might.  Their  hearts  by 
incense  and  reverent  vows  and  drink-offering  and  burnt- 
offering  men  turn  with  prayer,  so  oft  as  any  transgresseth 
and  doeth  sin.  Moreover  Prayers  of  penitence  are  daughters 
of  great  Zeus,  halting  and  wrinkled  and  of  eyes  askance, 
that  have  their  task  withal  to  go  in  the  steps  of  Sin.  For 
Sin  is  strong  and  fleet  of  foot,  wherefore  she  far  outrunneth 
all  prayers,  and  goeth  before  them  over  all  the  earth  making 
men  fall,  and  Prayers  follow  behind  to  heal  the  harm.  Now 
whosoever  reverenceth  Zeus’  daughters  when  they  draw 
near,  him  they  greatly  bless  and  hear  his  petitions  ; but 
when  one  denieth  them  and  stiffly  refuseth,  then  depart  they 
and  make  prayer  unto  Zeus  the  son  of  Kronos  that  sin  may 
come  upon  such  an  one,  that  he  may  fall  and  pay  the 
price.  Nay,  Achilles,  look  thou  too  that  there  attend  upon 
the  daughters  of  Zeus  the  reverence  that  bendeth  the  heart  of 
all  men  that  be  right-minded.  For  if  Atreides  brought  thee 
not  gifts  and  foretold  thee  not  more  hereafter,  but  were  ever 
furiously  wroth,  then  I were  not  he  that  should  bid  thee  cast 
aside  thine  anger  and  save  the  Argives,  even  in  their  sore 
need  of  thee.  But  now  he  both  offereth  thee  forthwith 
many  gifts,  and  promiseth  thee  more  hereafter,  and  hath 
sent  heroes  to  beseech  thee,  the  best  men  chosen  throughout 


ILIAD  IX,  521-554 


177 


the  host  of  the  Achaians  and  that  to  thyself  are  dearest  of  the 
Argives ; dishonour  not  thou  their  petition  nor  their  journey 
hither ; though  erst  it  were  no  wrong  that  thou  wast  wroth. 
Even  in  like  manner  have  we  heard  the  fame  of  those  heroes 
that  were  of  old,  as  oft  as  furious  anger  came  on  any  j they 
might  be  won  by  gifts  and  prevailed  upon  by  speech.  This 
tale  have  I in  mind  of  old  time  and  not  of  yesterday,  even 
as  it  was ; and  I will  tell  it  among  you  that  all  are  friends. 
The  Kuretes  1 fought  and  the  staunch  Aitolians  about  the 
city  of  Kalydon,  and  slew  one  another,  the  Aitolians  defend- 
ing lovely  Kalydon,  the  Kuretes  eager  to  lay  it  waste  in 
war.  For  Artemis  of  the  golden  throne  had  brought  a 
plague  upon  them,  in  wrath  that  Oineus  offered  her  not  the 
harvest  first-fruits  on  the  fat  of  his  garden  land ; for  all  the 
other  gods  had  their  feast  of  hecatombs,  and  only  to  the 
daughter  of  great  Zeus  offered  he  not,  whether  he  forgat  or 
marked  it  not ; and  therein  sinned  he  sore  in  his  heart.  So 
the  Archer-goddess  was  wroth  and  sent  against  him  a crea- 
ture of  heaven,  a fierce  wild  boar,  white-tusked,  that  wrought 
sore  ill  continually  on  Oineus’  garden  land  ; many  a tall  tree 
laid  he  low  utterly,  even  root  and  apple  blossom  therewith. 
But  him  slew  Meleagros  the  son  of  Oineus,  having  gathered 
.together  from  many  cities  huntsmen  and  hounds  ; for  not  of 
few  men  could  the  boar  be  slain,  so  mighty  was  he ; and 
many  an  one  brought  he  to  the  grievous  pyre.  But  the 
goddess  made  much  turmoil  over  him  and  tumult  concern- 
ing the  boar’s  head  and  shaggy  hide,  between  the  Kuretes 
and  great-hearted  Aitolians.  Now  so  long  as  Meleagros 
dear  to  Ares  fought,  so  long  it  went  ill  with  the  Kuretes. 
neither  dared  they  face  him  without  their  city  walls,  for  all 
they  were  very  many.  But  when  Meleagros  grew  full  of 
wrath,  such  as  swelleth  the  hearts  of  other*  likewise  in  their 


1 Note  2. 
N 


178 


ILIAD  IX,  554-538 


breasts,  though  they  be  wise  of  mind,  then  in  anger  of  heart 
at  his  dear  mother  Althaia  he  tarried  beside  his  wedded  wife, 
fair  Kleopatra,  daughter  of  Marpessa  fair-ankled  daughter  of 
Euenos,  and  of  Ides  that  was  strongest  of  men  that  were  then 
upon  the  earth  ; he  it  was  that  took  the  bow  to  face  the  king 
Phoebus  Apollo  for  sake  of  the  fair-ankled  damsel.1  And 
she  was  called  Alkyone  of  her  father  and  lady  mother  by 
surname  in  their  hall,  because  her  mother  in  the  plight  of 
the  plaintive  halcyon-bird  wept  when  the  far-darter  Phoebus 
Apollo  snatched  her  away.  By  her  side  lay  Meleagros, 
brooding  on  his  grievous  anger,  being  wroth  by  reason  of  his 
mother’s  curses : for  she,  grieved  for  her  brethren’s  death, 
prayed  instantly  to  the  gods,  and  with  her  hands  likewise 
beat  instantly  upon  the  fertile  earth,  calling  on  Hades  and 
dread  Persephone,  while  she  knelt  upon  her  knees  and  made 
her  bosom  wet  with  tears,  to  bring  her  son  to  death ; and 
Erinnys  that  walketh  in  darkness,  whose  heart  knoweth  not 
ruth,  heard  her  from  Erebos.  Now  was  the  din  of  foemen 
about  their  gates  quickly  risen,  and  a noise  of  battering  of 
towers ; and  the  elders  of  the  Aitolians  sent  the  best  of  the 
gods’  priests  and  besought  him  to  come  forth  and  save  them, 
with  promise  of  a mighty  gift ; to  wit,  they  bade  him,  where 
the  plain  of  lovely  Kalydon  was  fattest,  to  choose  him  out  a 
fair  demesne  of  fifty  plough-gates,  the  half  thereof  vine-land 
and  the  half  open  plough-land,  to  be  cut  from  out  the  plain. 
And  old  knightly  Oineus  prayed  him  instantly,  and  stood 
upon  the  threshold  of  his  high-roofed  chamber,  and  shook 
the  morticed  doors  to  beseech  his  son ; him  too  his  sisters 
and  his  lady  mother  prayed  instantly — but  he  denied  them 
yet  more — instantly  too  his  comrades  prayed,  that  were 
nearest  him  and  dearest  of  all  men.  Yet  even  so  persuaded 
they  not  his  heart  within  his  breast,  until  his  chamber  was 


1 Note  3. 


ILIAD  IX,  589-621 


179 


now  hotly  battered  and  the  Kuretes  were  climbing  upon 
;he  towers  and  firing  the  great  city.  Then  did  his  fair- 
girdled  wife  pray  Meleagros  with  lamentation,  and  told  him 
ill  the  woes  that  come  on  men  whose  city  is  taken ; the 
warriors  are  slain,  and  the  city  is  wasted  of  fire,  and  the 
children  and  the  deep-girdled  women  are  led  captive  of 
strangers.  And  his  soul  was  stirred  to  hear  the  grievous 
:ale,  and  he  went  his  way  and  donned  his  glittering  armour. 
So  he  saved  the  Aitolians  from  the  evil  day,  obeying  his 
)wn  will ; but  they  paid  him  not  now  the  gifts  many  and 
p-acious  ; yet  nevertheless  he  drave  away  destruction.  But 
be  not  thine  heart  thus  minded,  neither  let  heaven  so  guide 
i.hee,  dear  son ; that  were  a hard  thing,  to  save  the  ships 
ilready  burning.  Nay,  come  for  the  gifts  ; the  Achaians 
ihall  honour  thee  even  as  a god.  But  if  without  gifts  thou 
enter  into  battle  the  bane  of  men,  thou  wilt  not  be  held  in 
ike  honour,  even  though  thou  avert  the  fray.” 

And  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  made  answer  and  said  to  him  : 
‘ Phoinix  my  father,  thou  old  man  fosterling  of  Zeus,  such 
iionour  need  I in  no  wise ; for  I deem  that  I have  been 
honoured  by  the  judgment  of  Zeus,  which  shall  abide  upon 
ine  amid  my  beaked  ships  as  long  as  breath  tarrieth  in  my 
lody  and  my  limbs  are  strong.  Moreover  I will  say  this 
hing  to  thee  and  lay  thou  it  to  thine  heart;  trouble  not 
ny  soul  by  weeping  and  lamentation,  to  do  the  pleasure  of 
warrior  Atreides ; neither  beseemeth  it  thee  to  cherish  him, 
est  thou  be  hated  of  me  that  cherish  thee.  It  were  good 
hat  thou  with  me  shouldest  vex  him  that  vexeth  me.  Be 
hou  king  even  as  I,  and  share  my  sway  by  halves,  but  these 
hall  bear  my  message.  So  tarry  thou  here  and  lay  thee  to 
est  in  a soft  bed,  and  with  break  of  day  will  we  consider 
whether  to  depart  unto  our  own,  or  to  abide.” 

He  spake,  and  nodded  his  brow  in  silence  unto  Patrokl/w 


xSo  ILIAD  IX,  622-655 

to  spread  for  Phoinix  a thick  couch,  that  the  others  might 
bethink  them  to  depart  from  the  hut  with  speed.  Then 
spake  to  them  Aias,  Telamon’s  godlike  son,  and  said: 
“ Heaven-sprung  son  of  Laertes,  Odysseus  of  many  wiles,  let 
us  go  hence ; for  methinks  the  purpose  of  our  charge  will 
not  by  this  journey  be  accomplished ; and  we  must  tell  the 
news,  though  it  be  no  wise  good,  with  all  speed  unto  the 
Danaans,  that  now  sit  awaiting.  But  Achilles  hath  wrought 
his  proud  soul  to  fury  within  him — stubborn  man,  that 
recketh  naught  of  his  comrades’  love,  wherein  we  worshipped 
him  beyond  all  men  amid  the  ships — unmerciful ! Yet 
doth  a man  accept  recompense  of  his  brother’s  murderer  or 
for  his  dead  son ; and  so  the  man-slayer  for  a great  price 
abideth  in  his  own  land,  and  the  kinsman’s  heart  is  ap- 
peased, and  his  proud  soul,  when  he  hath  taken  the  recom- 
pense. But  for  thee,  the  gods  have  put  within  thy  breast 
a spirit  implacable  and  evil,  by  reason  of  one  single  damseL 
And  now  we  offer  thee  seven  damsels,  far  best  of  all,  and: 
many  other  gifts  besides;  entertain  thou  then  a kindly 
spirit,  and  have  respect  unto  thine  home ; because  we  are 
guests  of  thy  roof,  sent  of  the  multitude  of  Danaans,  and 
we  would  fain  be  nearest  to  thee  and  dearest  beyond  all 
other  Achaians,  as  many  as  there  be.” 

And  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  made  answer  and  said  to  him : 
“Aias  sprung  of  Zeus,  thou  son  of  Telamon,  prince  of  the 
folk,  thou  seemest  to  speak  all  this  almost  after  mine  own 
mind ; but  my  heart  swelleth  with  wrath  as  oft  as  I bethink 
me  of  those  things,  how  Atreides  entreated  me  arrogantly 
among  the  Argives,  as  though  I were  some  worthless  so- 
journer. But  go  ye  and  declare  my  message ; I will  nol 
take  thought  of  bloody  war  until  that  wise  Priam’s  son 
noble  Hector,  come  to  the  Myrmidons’  huts  and  ships,  slay 
ing  the  Argives,  and  smirch  the  ships  with  fire.  But  aboul 


ILIAD  IX,  656-689 


181 

mine  hut  and  black  ship  I ween  that  Hector,  though  he  be 
very  eager  for  battle,  shall  be  refrained” 

So  said  he,  and  they  took  each  man  a two-handled  cup, 
and  made  libation  and  went  back  along  the  line  of  ships ; 
and  Odysseus  led  the  way.  And  Patroklos  bade  his  fellows 
and  handmaidens  spread  with  all  speed  a thick  couch  for 
Phoinix ; and  they  obeyed  and  spread  a couch  as  he  or- 
dained, fleeces  and  rugs  and  fine  flock  of  linen.  Then  the 
old  man  laid  him  down  and  tarried  for  bright  Dawn.  And 
Achilles  slept  in  the  comer  of  the  morticed  hut,  and  by  his 
side  lay  a woman  that  he  brought  from  Lesbos,  even  Phorbas’ 
daughter  fair-cheeked  Diomede.  And  on  the  other  side 
Patroklos  lay,  and  by  his  side  likewise  fair-girdled  Iphis, 
whom  noble  Achilles  gave  him  at  the  taking  of  steep  Skyros, 
the  city  of  Enyeus. 

Now  when  those  were  corne  unto  Atreides’  huts,  the  sons 
of  the  Achaians  stood  up  on  this  side  and  on  that,  and 
pledged  them  in  cups  of  gold,  and  questioned  them ; and 
Agamemnon  king  of  men  asked  them  first : “ Come  now, 
cell  me,  Odysseus  full  of  praise,  thou  great  glory  of  the 
Achaians;  will  he  save  the  ships  from  consuming  fire,  or 
said  he  nay,  and  hath  wrath  yet  hold  of  his  proud  spirit?” 

And  steadfast  goodly  Odysseus  answered  him:  “Most 
noble  son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon  king  of  men,  he  yonder 
hath  no  mind  to  quench  his  wrath,  but  is  yet  more  filled  of 
:ury,  and  spurneth  thee  and  thy  gifts.  He  biddeth  thee  take 
rounsel  for  thyself  amid  the  Argives,  how  to  save  the  ships 
end  folk  of  the  Achaians.  And  for  himself  he  threatened 
hat  at  break  of  day  he  will  launch  upon  the  sea  his  trim  well- 
lenched  ships.  Moreover  he  said  that  he  would  counsel  all 
0 sail  for  home,  because  ye  now  shall  never  reach  your  goal 
j)f  steep  Ilios ; surely  far-seeing  Zeus  holdeth  his  hand  over 
ler  and  her  folk  are  of  good  courage.  Even  so  said  he, 


lS2 


ILIAD  IX,  690-713 


and  here  are  also  these  to  tell  the  tale  that  were  my  com 
panions,  Aias  and  the  two  heralds,  both  men  discreet  But 
the  old  man  Phoinix  laid  him  there  to  rest,  even  as  Achilles 
bade  him,  that  he  may  follow  with  him  on  his  ships  to  his 
dear  native  land  to-morrow,  if  he  will ; for  he  will  not  take 
him  perforce.” 

So  said  he,  and  they  all  held  their  peace  and  were  still, 
marvelling  at  his  saying,  for  he  harangued  very  vehe- 
mently. Long  were  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  voiceless  for 
grief,  but  at  the  last  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  spake 
amid  them : “ Most  noble  son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon  king 
of  men,  would  thou  hadst  never  besought  Peleus’  glorious 
son  with  offer  of  gifts  innumerable ; proud  is  he  at  any  time, 
but  now  hast  thou  yet  far  more  encouraged  him  in  his 
haughtiness.  Howbeit  we  will  let  him  bide,  whether  he  go 
or  tarry ; hereafter  he  shall  fight,  whenever  his  heart  within 
him  biddeth  and  god  arouseth  him.  Come  now,  even  as  I 
shall  say  let  us  all  obey.  Go  ye  now  to  rest,  full  to  your 
hearts’  desire  of  meat  and  wine,  wherein  courage  is  and 
strength  ; but  when  fair  rosy-fingered  Dawn  appeareth,  array 
thou  with  all  speed  before  the  ships  thy  folk  and  horsemen, 
and  urge  them  on  ; and  fight  thyself  amid  the  foremost.” 

So  said  he,  and  all  the  princes  gave  assent,  applauding 
the  saying  of  Diomedes  tamer  of  horses.  And  then  they 
made  libation  and  went  every  man  to  his  hut,  and  there  laid 
them  to  rest  and  took  the  boon  of  sleep. 


BOOK  X. 


How  Diomedes  and  Odysseus  slew  Dolon,  a spy  of  the  Trojans,  and 
themselves  spied  on  the  Trojan  camp,  and  took  the  horses  of 
Rhesos,  the  Thracian  king. 

Now  beside  the  ships  the  other  leaders  of  the  whole  Achaian 
host  were  sleeping  all  night  long,  by  soft  Sleep  overcome, 
but  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus,  shepherd  of  the  host,  sweet 
Sleep  held  not,  so  many  things  he  debated  in  his  mind.  And 
even  as  when  the  lord  of  fair-tressed  Hera  lighteneth,  fashion- 
ing either  a mighty  rain  unspeakable,  or  hail,  or  snow,  when 
the  flakes  sprinkle  all  the  ploughed  lands,  or  fashioning  per- 
chance the  wide  mouth  of  bitter  war,  even  so  oft  in  his  breast 
groaned  Agamemnon,  from  the  very  deep  of  his  heart,  and 
his  spirits  trembled  within  him.  And  whensoever  he  looked 
toward  that  Trojan  plain,  he  marvelled  at  the  many  fires  that 
blazed  in  front  of  Ilios,  and  at  the  sound  of  flutes  and  pipes, 
and  the  noise  of  men ; but  whensoever  to  the  ships  he 
glanced  and  the  host  of  the  Achaians,  then  rent  he  many  a 
lock  clean  forth  from  his  head,  to  Zeus  that  is  above,  and 
greatly  groaned  his  noble  heart. 

And  this  in  his  soul  seemed  to  him  the  best  counsel,  to 
go  first  of  all  to  Nestor  son  of  Neleus,  if  perchance  he  might 
:ontrive  with  him  some  right  device  that  should  be  for  the 
warding  off  of  evil  from  all  the  Danaans. 

Then  he  rose,  and  did  on  his  doublet  about  his  breast. 


ILIAD  X,  21-51 


184 

and  beneath  his  shining  feet  he  bound  on  fair  sandals,  and 
thereafter  clad  him  in  the  tawny  skin  of  a lion  fiery  and 
great,  a skin  that  reached  to  the  feet,  and  he  grasped  his 
spear. 

And  even  in  like  wise  did  trembling  fear  take  hold  on 
Menelaos,  (for  neither  on  his  eyelids  did  Sleep  settle  down,) 
lest  somewhat  should  befall  the  Argives,  who  verily  for 
his  sake  over  wide  waters  were  come  to  Troy-land,  with 
fierce  war  in  their  thoughts. 

With  a dappled  pard’s  skin  first  he  covered  his  broad 
shoulders,  and  he  raised  and  set  on  his  head  a casque  of 
bronze,  and  took  a spear  in  his  strong  hand.  Then  went 
he  on  his  way  to  rouse  his  brother,  that  mightily  ruled  over 
all  the  Argives,  and  as  a god  was  honoured  by  the  people. 
Him  found  he  harnessing  his  goodly  gear  about  his  shoulders, 
by  the  stern  of  the  ship,  and  glad  to  his  brother  was  his 
coming.  Then  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry  first  accosted 
him  : “ Wherefore  thus,  dear  brother,  art  thou  arming  ? 
Wilt  thou  speed  forth  any  of  thy  comrades  to  spy  on  the 
Trojans  ? Nay,  terribly  I fear  lest  none  should  undertake 
for  thee  this  deed,  even  to  go  and  spy  out  the  foemen  alone 
through  the  ambrosial  night ; needs  must  he  be  a man  right 
hardy  of  heart.” 

Then  the  lord  Agamemnon  answered  him  and  spake : 
“Need  of  good  counsel  have  I and  thou,  Menelaos  foster- 
ling of  Zeus,  of  counsel  that  will  help  and  save  the  Argives 
and  the  ships,  since  the  heart  of  Zeus  hath  turned  again. 
Surely  on  the  sacrifices  of  Hector  hath  he  set  his  heart  rather 
than  on  ours.  For  never  did  I see,  nor  heard  any  tell,  that 
one  man  devised  so  many  terrible  deeds  in  one  day,  as 
Hector,  dear  to  Zeus,  hath  wrought  on  the  sons  of  the 
Achaians,  unaided;  though  no  dear  son  of  a goddess  is 
be,  nor  of  a god.  He  hath  done  deeds  that  methinks  will 


ILIAD  X,  52-82 


185 

be  a sorrow  to  the  Argives,  lasting  and  long,  such  evils 
hath  he  devised  against  the  Achaians.  But  go  now,  run 
swiftly  by  the  ships,  and  summon  Aias  and  Idomeneus,  but 
I will  betake  me  to  noble  Nestor,  and  bid  him  arise,  if  per- 
chance he  will  be  fain  to  go  to  the  sacred  company  of  the 
sentinels  and  lay  on  them  his  command  For  to  him  above 
others  would  they  listen,  for  his  own  son  is  chief  among  the 
sentinels,  he  and  the  brother  in  arms  of  Idomeneus,  even 
Meriones,  for  to  them  above  all  we  entrusted  this  charge.” 

Then  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry  answered  him : “ How 
meanest  thou  this  word  wherewith  thou  dost  command  and 
exhort  me  ? Am  I to  abide  there  with  them,  waiting  till 
thou  comest,  or  run  back  again  to  thee  when  I have  well 
delivered  to  them  thy  commandment?” 

Then  the  king  of  men,  Agamemnon,  answered  him  again  : 
“ There  do  thou  abide  lest  we  miss  each  other  as  we  go,  for 
■ many  are  the  paths  through  the  camp.  But  call  aloud, 
wheresoever  thou  goest,  and  bid  men  awake,  naming  each 
; man  by  his  lineage,  and  his  father’s  name,  and  giving  all  their 
dues  of  honour,  nor  be  thou  proud  of  heart  Nay  rather 
let  us  ourselves  be  labouring,  for  even  thus  did  Zeus  from 
our  very  birth  dispense  to  us  the  heaviness  of  toiL” 

So  he  spake,  and  sent  his  brother  away,  having  clearly 
laid  on  him  his  commandment.  Then  went  he  himself  after 
Nestor,  the  shepherd  of  the  host,  whom  he  found  by  his  hut 
and  black  ship,  in  his  soft  bed  : beside  him  lay  his  fair  dight 
arms,  a shield,  and  two  spears,  and  a shining  helmet  Beside 
him  lay  his  glittering  girdle  wherewith  the  old  man  was  wont 
to  gird  himself  when  he  harnessed  him  for  war,  the  bane  of 
men,  and  led  on  the  host,  for  he  yielded  not  to  grievous  old 
age.  Then  he  raised  him  on  his  elbow,  lifting  his  head,  and 
spake  to  the  son  of  Atreus,  inquiring  of  him  with  this  word : 
“Who  art  thou  that  farest  alone  by  the  ships,  through  the 


i8o 


ILIAD  X,  83-116 


camp,  in  the  dark  night,  when  other  mortals  are  sleeping? 
Scekest  thou  one  of  thy  mules,  or  of  thy  comrades  ? speak, 
and  come  not  silently  upon  me.  What  need  hast  thou?” 

Then  the  king  of  men,  Agamemnon,  answered  him  : “0 
Nestor,  son  of  Neleus,  great  glory  of  the  Achaians,  thou  shalt 
know  Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus,  whom  above  all  men  Zeus 
hath  planted  for  ever  among  labours,  while  my  breath  abides 
within  my  breast,  and  my  knees  move.  I wander  thus,  for 
that  sweet  sleep  rests  not  on  mine  eyes,  but  war  is  my  care, 
and  the  troubles  of  the  Achaians.  Yea,  greatly  I fear  for  the 
sake  of  the  Danaans,  nor  is  my  heart  firm,  but  I am  tossed 
to  and  fro,  and  my  heart  is  leaping  from  my  breast,  and  my 
good  knees  tremble  beneath  me.  But  if  thou  wilt  do  aught, 
since  neither  on  thee  cometh  sleep,  let  us  go  thither  to  the 
sentinels,  that  we  may  see  them,  lest  they  be  fordone  with 
toil  and  drowsihead,  and  so  are  slumbering,  and  have  quite 
forgotten  to  keep  watch.  And  hostile  men  camp  hard  by, 
nor  know  we  at  all  but  that  they  are  keen  to  do  battle  in 
the  night.” 

Then  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  answered  him  : “ Most 
renowned  son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon  king  of  men,  assuredly 
not  all  his  designs  will  wise-counselling  Zeus  fulfil  for 
Hector,  even  all  that  now  he  thinketh  ; nay  methinks  he  will 
contend  with  even  more  troubles  if  but  Achilles  turn  back 
his  heart  from  grievous  anger.  And  verily  will  I follow  after 
thee,  but  let  us  also  rouse  others  again,  both  the  son  of 
Tydeus,  spearman  renowned,  and  Odysseus,  and  swift  Aias, 
and  the  strong  son  of  Phyleus.  But  well  it  would  be  if  one 
were  to  go  and  call  those  also,  the  godlike  Aias,  and  Ido- 
meneus  the  prince ; for  their  ships  are  furthest  of  all,  and 
nowise  close  at  hand.  But  Menelaos  will  I blame,  dear  as 
he  is  and  worshipful,  yea,  even  if  thou  be  angry  with  me,  nor 
will  I hide  my  thought,  for  that  he  slumbereth,  and  to  thee 


ILIAD  X,  116-147 


187 


alone  hath  left  the  toil ; now  should  he  be  toiling  among  all 
the  chiefs  and  beseeching  them,  for  need  no  longer  tolerable 
is  coming  upon  us.” 

And  the  king  of  men,  Agamemnon,  answered  him  again: 
“Old  man,  another  day  I even  bid  thee  blame  him,  for  often 
is  he  slack,  and  willeth  not  to  labour,  yielding  neither  to 
unreadiness  nor  heedlessness  of  heart,  but  looking  toward 
me,  and  expecting  mine  instance.  But  as  now  he  awoke  far 
before  me,  and  came  to  me,  and  him  I sent  forward  to  call 
those  concerning  whom  thou  inquirest.  But  let  us  be  gone, 
and  them  shall  we  find  before  the  gates,  among  the  sentinels, 
for  there  I bade  them  gather.” 

Then  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  answered  him  : “ So 
will  none  of  the  Argives  be  wroth  with  him  or  disobey 
him,  whensoever  he  doth  urge  any  one,  and  give  him  his 
commands.” 

So  spake  he  and  did  on  his  doublet  about  his  breast,  and 
beneath  his  bright  feet  he  bound  goodly  shoon,  and  all 
around  him  buckled  a purple  cloak,  with  double  folds  and 
wide,  and  thick  down  all  over  it 
; And  he  took  a strong  spear,  pointed  with  sharp  bronze, 
and  he  went  among  the  ships  of  the  mail-clad  Achaians. 
Then  Odysseus  first,  the  peer  of  Zeus  in  counsel,  did 
knightly  Gerenian  Nestor  arouse  out  of  sleep,  with  his  voice, 
and  quickly  the  cry  came  all  about  his  heart,  and  he  came 
forth  from  the  hut  and  spake  to  them  saying  : “ Wherefore 
thus  among  the  ships  and  through  the  camp  do  ye  wander 
alone,  in  the  ambrosial  night ; what  so  great  need  cometh 
upon  you  ?” 

Then  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  answered  him : 
“ Laertes  son,  of  the  seed  of  Zeus,  Odysseus  of  many  a 
wile,  be  not  wroth,  for  great  trouble  besetteth  the  Achaians. 
Nay  follow,  that  we  may  arouse  others  too,  even  all  that 


i8S  ILIAD  X,  147-176 

it  behoveth  to  take  counsel,  whether  we  should  fly,  <n 
fight." 

So  spake  he,  and  Odysseus  of  the  many  counsels  came 
to  the  hut,  and  cast  a shield  bedight  about  his  shoulders, 
and  went  after  them. 

And  they  went  to  seek  Diomedes,  son  of  Tydeus,  and  him  1 
they  found  outside  his  hut,  with  his  arms,  and  around  him 
his  comrades  were  sleeping  with  their  shields  beneath  their  : 
heads,  but  their  spears  were  driven  into  the  ground  erect  on 
the  spikes  of  the  butts,  and  afar  shone  the  bronze,  like  the 
lightning  of  father  Zeus.  Now  that  hero  was  asleep,  and 
under  him  was  strewn  the  hide  of  an  ox  of  the  field,  but 
beneath  his  head  was  stretched  a shining  carpet  Beside 
him  went  and  stood  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  and 
stirred  him  with  a touch  of  his  foot,  and  aroused  him,  1 
chiding  him  to  his  face,  saying:  “Wake,  son  of  Tydeus, 
why  all  night  long  dost  thou  sleep  ? Knowest  thou  not 
that  the  Trojans  on  the  high  place  of  the  plain  are 
camped  near  the  ships,  and  but  a little  space  holdeth 
them  apart  ?” 

So  spake  he,  and  Diomedes  sprang  swiftly  up  out  of  sleep, 
and  spake  out  to  him  winged  words : “ Hard  art  thou,  old 
man,  and  from  toil  thou  never  ceasest  Now  are  there  not 
other  younger  sons  of  the  Achaians,  who  might  rouse  when 
there  is  need  each  of  the  kings,  going  all  round  the  host  ? 
but  thou,  old  man,  art  indomitable.” 

And  him  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  answered  again, 
“Nay  verily,  my  son,  all  this  that  thou  sayest  is  according 
unto  right.  Noble  sons  have  I,  and  there  be  many  of  the 
host,  of  whom  each  man  might  go  and  call  the  others.  But 
a right  great:  need  hath  assailed  the  Achaians.  For  now 
to  all  of  us  it  standeth  on  a razor’s  edge,  either  pitiful  ruin 
for  the  Achaians,  or  life.  But  come  now,  i f indeed  thou 


ILIAD  X,  176-206 


189 


dost  pity  me,  reuse  swift  Aias,  and  the  son  of  Phyleus,  for 
thou  art  younger  than  I.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Diomedes  cast  round  his  shoulders  the 
skin  of  a great  fiery  lion,  that  reached  to  his  feet,  and  he 
grasped  his  spear,  and  started  on  his  way,  and  roused  the 
others  from  their  place  and  led  them  on. 

Now  when  they  had  come  among  the  assembled  sentinels, 
they  found  not  the  leaders  of  the  sentinels  asleep,  but  they  all 
sat  wide  awake  with  their  arms.  And  even  as  hounds  keep 
difficult  guard  round  the  sheep  in  a fold,  having  heard  a 
hardy  wild  beast  that  cometh  through  the  wood  among  the 
hills,  and  much  clamour  riseth  round  him  of  hounds  and 
men,  and  sleep  perisheth  from  them,  even  so  sweet  sleep  did 
perish  from  their  eyes,  as  they  watched  through  the  wicked 
night,  for  ever  were  they  turning  toward  the  plains,  when 
they  heard  the  Trojans  moving. 

And  that  old  man  was  glad  when  he  saw  them,  and 
heartened  them  with  his  saying,  and  calling  out  to  them  he 
spake  winged  words : “ Even  so  now,  dear  children,  do  ye 
keep  watch,  nor  let  sleep  take  any  man,  lest  we  become  a 
cause  of  rejoicing  to  them  that  hate  us.” 
j So  saying  he  sped  through  the  moat,  and  they  followed 
with  him,  the  kings  of  the  Argives,  who  had  been  called 
to  the  council.  And  with  them  went  Meriones,  and  the 
glorious  son  of  Nestor,  for  they  called  them  to  share  their 
counsel.  So  they  went  clean  out  of  the  delved  foss,  and 
sat  down  in  the  open,  where  the  mid-space  was  clear  of  dead 
men  fallen,  where  fierce  Hector  had  turned  again  from 
destroying  the  Argives,  when  night  covered  alL  There  sat 
they  down,  and  declared  their  saying  each  to  the  other, 
and  to  them  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerer.ia  began  discourse : 
“ 0 friends,  is  there  then  no  man  that  would  trust  to  bu 
own  daring  spirit,  to  go  among  the  great-hearted  Trojana, 


190 


ILIAD  X,  206-239 


if  perchance  he  might  take  some  straggler  of  the  enemy, 
yea,  or  hear  perchance  some  rumour  among  the  Trojans,  and 
what  things  they  devise  among  themselves,  whether  they  are 
fain  to  abide  there  by  the  ships,  away  from  the  city,  or  wiil 
retreat  again  to  the  city,  now  that  they  have  conquered  the 
Achaians  ? All  this  might  such  an  one  learn,  and  back  to 
us  come  scathless : great  would  be  his  fame  under  heaven 
among  all  men,  and  a goodly  gift  will  be  given  him.  For 
all  the  best  men  that  bear  sway  by  the  ships,  each  and  all  of 
them  will  give  him  a black  ewe,  with  her  lamb  at  her  foot, 
— no  chattel  may  compare  with  her, — and  ever  will  he  be 
present  at  feasts  and  clan-drinkings.” 

So  spake  he,  and  thereon  were  they  all  silent,  holding 
their  peace,  but  to  them  spake  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry : , 
“Nestor,  my  heart  and  manful  spirit  urge  me  to  enter  the 
camp  of  the  foemen  hard  by,  even  of  the  Trojans : but  and 
if  some  other  man  will  follow  with  me,  more  comfort  and 
more  courage  will  there  be.  If  two  go  together,  one  before 
another  perceiveth  a matter,  how  there  may  be  gain  therein ; : 
but  if  one  alone  perceive  aught,  even  so  his  wit  is  shorter, 
and  weak  his  device.” 

So  spake  he,  and  many  were  they  that  wished  to  follow 
Diomedes.  The  two  Aiantes  were  willing,  men  of  Ares’  com- 
pany, and  Meriones  was  willing,  and  right  willing  the  son  of 
Nestor,  and  the  son  of  Atreus,  Menelaos,  spearman  renowned, 
yea  and  the  hardy  Odysseus  was  willing  to  steal  into  the 
throng  of  Trojans,  for  always  daring  was  his  heart  within 
him.  But  among  them  spake  the  king  of  men,  Agamemnon: 
“Diomedes  son  of  Tydeus,  joy  of  mine  heart,  thy  comrade 
verily  shalt  thou  choose,  whomsoever  thou  wilt,  the  best  of 
them  that  be  here,  for  many  are  eager.  But  do  not  thou,  > 
out  of  reverent  heart,  leave  the  better  man  behind,  and  give 
thysdlf  the  worse  companion,  yielding  to  regard  for  any,, 


ILIAD  X,  240-272  igi 

and  looking  to  their  lineage,  even  if  one  be  more  kingly 
bom.” 

So  spake  he,  but  was  in  fear  for  the  sake  of  fair-haired 
Menelaos.  But  to  them  again  answered  Diomedes  of  the 
loud  war-cry : “ If  indeed  ye  bid  me  choose  myself  a 
comrade,  how  then  could  I be  unmindful  of  godlike  Odys- 
seus, whose  heart  is  passing  eager,  and  his  spirit  so  manful 
in  all  manner  of  toils ; and  Pallas  Athene  loveth  him.  But 
while  he  cometh  with  me,  even  out  of  burning  fire  might  we 
both  return,  for  he  excelleth  in  understanding.” 

Then  him  again  answered  the  steadfast  noble  Odysseus: 
“ Son  of  Tydeus,  praise  me  not  overmuch,  neither  blame  me 
aught,  for  thou  speakest  thus  among  the  Argives  that  them- 
selves know  all.  But  let  us  be  going,  for  truly  the  night  is 
waning,  and  near  is  the  dawn,  and  the  stars  have  gone 
onward,  and  the  night  has  advanced  more  than  two  watches, 
but  the  third  watch  is  yet  left.” 

So  spake  they  and  harnessed  them  in  their  dread  armour. 
To  the  son  of  Tydeus  did  Thrasymedes  steadfast  in  war 
give  a two-edged  sword,  (for  his  own  was  left  by  his  ship)  and 
a shield,  and  about  his  head  set  a helm  of  bull’s  hide,  without 
cone  or  crest,  that  is  called  a skull-cap,  and  keeps  the  heads 
of  stalwart  youths.  And  Meriones  gave  Odysseus  a bow  and 
a quiver,  and  a sword,  and  on  his  head  set  a helm  made  of 
leather,  and  w ith  many  a thong  was  it  stiffly  wrought  within, 
while  without  the  white  teeth  of  a boar  of  flashing  tusks  were 
arrayed  thick  set  on  either  side,  well  and  cunningly,  and  in  the 
midst  was  fixed  a cap  of  felt.  This  casque  Autolykos  once 
stole  from  Amyntor  son  of  Ormenos,  out  of  Eleon,  breaking 
into  his  well-builded  house  ; and  he  gave  it  to  Amphidamas 
of  Kythera  to  take  to  Skandeia  and  Amphidamas  gave  it  for 
a guest-gift  to  Molos,  who  gave  it  to  his  own  son  Meriones 
to  wear,  and  now  it  was  set  to  cover  the  head  of  Odysseus. 


192 


ILIAD  X,  273-302 


So  when  these  twain  had  harnessed  them  in  their  dread 
armour,  they  set  forth  to  go,  and  left  there  all  the  best  of 
the  host  And  to  them  did  Pallas  Athene  send  forth  an 
omen  on  the  right,  a heron  hard  by  the  way,  and  they  beheld 
it  not  with  their  eyes,  through  the  dark  night,  but  they  heard  1 
its  shrill  cry.  And  Odysseus  was  glad  in  the  omen  of  the 
bird,  and  prayed  to  Athene : “ Listen  to  me,  thou  child  of 
aegis-bearing  Zeus  that  ever  in  all  toils  dost  stand  by  me, 
nor  doth  any  motion  of  mine  escape  thee : but  now  again 
above  all  be  thou  friendly  to  me,  Athene,  and  grant  that  , 
we  come  back  with  renown  to  the  ships,  having  wrought  a 
great  work,  that  shall  be  sorrow  to  the  Trojans.” 

Next  again  prayed  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry:  “Listen 
now  likewise  to  me,  thou  child  of  Zeus,  unwearied  maiden, 
and  follow  with  me  as  when  with  my  father  thou  didst  follow, 
even  noble  Tydeus,  into  Thebes,  when  he  went  forth  as  a mes-  |i 
senger  from  the  Achaians.  And  them  he  left  by  the  Asopos, 
the  mail-clad  Achaians,  and  a honeyed  word  he  bare  to 
the  Kadmeians  in  that  place ; but  on  his  backward  way  he 
devised  right  terrible  deeds,  with  thee,  fair  goddess,  for 
eager  didst  thou  stand  by  him.  Even  so  now  stand  thou  . 
by  me  willingly,  and  protect  me.  And  to  thee  will  I sacri- 
fice a yearling  heifer,  broad  of  brow,  unbroken,  that  never  i 
yet  hath  man  led  below  the  yoke.  Her  will  I sacrifice  to 
thee,  and  gild  her  horns  with  gold.” 

So  spake  they  in  their  prayer,  and  Pallas  Athene  heard 
them.  And  when  they  had  prayed  to  the  daughter  of 
mighty  Zeus,  they  went  forth  on  their  way,  like  two  lions,  1 
through  the  dark  night,  amid  the  slaughter,  amid  the  slain 
men,  through  the  arms  and  the  black  blood. 

Nay,  nor  the  stout-hearted  Trojans  did  Hector  suffer  ■ j 
to  sleep,  but  he  called  together  all  the  best  of  them,  all 
that  were  chiefs  and  leader?  of  the  T ro jans.,  them  did  be 


ILIAD  X,  303-332 


4 

193 

call  together,  and  contrived  a crafty  counsel : “ Who  is 
there  that  would  promise  and  perform  for  me  this  deed,  for 
a great  gift  ? yea  his  reward  shall  be  sufficient  For  I will 
give  him  a chariot,  and  two  horses  of  arching  neck,  the  best 
that  be  at  the  swift  ships  of  the  Achaians,  to  whosoever 
shall  dare  the  deed,  and  for  himself  shall  win  glory.  And 
the  deed  is  this ; to  go  near  the  swift-faring  ships,  and  seek 
out  whether  the  swift  ships  are  guarded,  as  of  old,  or  whether 
already,  being  subdued  beneath  our  hands,  the  foes  are  de- 
vising of  flight  among  themselves,  and  have  no  care  to  watch 
through  the  night,  being  fordone  with  dread  weariness.” 

So  spake  he,  but  they  were  all  silent  and  held  their  peace. 
Now  there  was  among  the  Trojans  one  Dolon,  the  son  of 
Eumedes  the  godlike  herald,  and  he  was  rich  in  gold,  and 
rich  in  bronze  : and  verily  he  was  ill  favoured  to  look  upon, 
but  swift  of  foot ; now  he  was  an  only  son  among  five  sisters. 
So  he  spake  then  a word  to  the  Trojans  and  to  Hector: 
“Hector,  my  heart  and  manful  spirit  urge  me  to  go  hear 
the  swift-faring  ships,  and  spy  out  all.  But  come,  I pray 
thee,  hold  up  the  staff,  and  swear  to  me,  that  verily  thou  wilt 
give  me  the  horses  and  the  chariots  bedight  with  bronze  that 
bear  the  noble  son  of  Peleus.  But  to  thee  I will  prove  no 
vain  spy,  nor  disappoint  thy  hope.  For  I will  go  straight  to 
the  camp,  until  I may  come  to  the  ship  of  Agamemnon, 
where  surely  the  chiefs  are  like  to  hold  council,  whether  to 
fight  or  flee.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Hector  took  the  staff  in  his  hand, 
and  sware  to  him:  “Now  let  Zeus  himself  be  witness,  the 
loud-thundering  lord  of  Hera,  that  no  other  man  of  the 
Trojans  shall  mount  those  horses,  but  thou,  I declare,  shalt 
rejoice  in  them  for  ever.” 

So  spake  he,  and  sware  a bootless  oath  thereto,  and 
aroused  Dolon  to  go.  And  straightway  he  cast  on  his 


o 


i94 


ILIAD  X,  333-364 


shoulders  his  crooked  bow,  and  did  on  thereover  the  skin  c 
a grey  wolf,  and  on  his  head  a helm  of  ferret-skin,  and  too! 
a sharp  javelin,  and  went  on  his  way  to  the  ships  from  th 
host.  But  he  was  not  like  to  come  back  from  the  ships  am 
bring  word  to  Hector. 

But  when  he  had  left  the  throng  of  men  and  horses,  h 
went  forth  eagerly  011  the  way,  and  Odysseus  of  the  seei 
of  Zeus  was  ware  of  him  as  he  approached,  and  said  unti 
Diomedes : “ Lo,  here  is  some  man,  Diomedes,  coming  fron 
the  camp,  I know  not  whether  as  a spy  to  our  ships,  or  ti 
strip  certain  of  the  dead  men  fallen.  But  let  us  suffer  hin 
to  pass  by  us  a little  way  on  the  plain,  and  thereafter  may  wi 
rush  on  him  and  take  him  speedily,  and  if  it  chance  that  hi 
outrun  us  by  speed  of  foot,  ever  do  thou  hem  him  in  toward 
the  ships  and  away  from  the  camp,  rushing  on  him  with  th; 
spear,  lest  in  any  wise  he  escape  towards  the  city.” 

So  they  spake,  and  turning  out  of  the  path  they  lay  dowi 
among  the  bodies  of  the  dead ; and  swiftly  Dolon  ran  pas 
them  in  his  witlessness.  But  when  he  was  as  far  off  a 
is  the  length  of  the  furrow  made  by  mules,  (for  better  far  an 
they  than  kine,  to  drag  the  jointed  plough  through  thi 
deep  fallow,)  these  twain  ran  after  him,  and  he  stood  stil 
when  he  heard  the  sound,  supposing  in  his  heart  that  the; 
were  friends  come  from  among  the  Trojans  to  turn  him  back 
at  the  countermand  of  Hector.  But  when  they  were  abou 
a spear-cast  off,  or  even  less,  he  knew  them  for  foemen,  am 
stirred  his  swift  limbs  to  fly,  and  speedily  they  started  ii 
pursuit. 

And  as  when  two  sharp-toothed  hounds,  well  skilled  ii 
the  chase,  press  ever  hard  on  a doe  or  a hare  through 
wooded  land,  and  it  runs  screaming  before  them,  even  s 
Tydeus’  son  and  Odysseus  the  sacker  of  cities  cut  Dolo! 
off  from  the  host,  and  ever  pursued  hard  after  him.  Bu 


ILIAD  X,  365-397 


l95 


when  he  was  just  about  to  come  among  the  sentinels,  in  his 
flight  towards  the  ships,  then  Athene  poured  strength  into 
the  son  of  Tydeus,  that  none  of  the  mail-clad  Achaians  might 
boast  himself  the  first  to  smite,  and  he  come  second.  And 
strong  Diomedes  leaped  upon  him  with  the  spear,  and  said  : 
“ Stand,  or  I shall  overtake  thee  with  the  spear,  and  methinks 
that  thou  shalt  not  long  avoid  sheer  destruction  at  my  hand.” 

So  spake  he,  and  threw  his  spear,  but  of  his  own  will  he 
missed  the  man,  and  passing  over  his  right  shoulder  the  point 
of  the  polished  spear  stuck  fast  in  the  ground : and  Dolon 
stood  still,  in  great  dread  and  trembling,  and  the  teeth  chat- 
tered in  his  mouth,  and  he  was  green  with  fear.  Then  the 
twain  came  up  with  him,  panting,  and  gripped  his  hands,  and 
weeping  he  spake : “Take  me  alive,  and  I will  ransom  my- 
self, for  within  our  house  there  is  bronze,  and  gold,  and 
smithied  iron,  wherefrom  my  father  would  do  you  grace 
with  ransom  untold,  if  he  should  learn  that  I am  alive  among 
the  ships  of  the  Achaians.” 

Then  Odysseus  of  the  many  counsels  answered  him  and 
said  : “Take  courage,  let  not  death  be  in  thy  mind,  but  come 
speak  and  tell  me  truly  all  the  tale,  why  thus  from  the 
host  dost  thou  come  all  alone  among  the  ships,  through  the 
black  night,  when  other  mortals  are  sleeping  ? Comest  thou 
to  strip  certain  of  the  dead  men  fallen,  or  did  Hector  send 
thee  forth  to  spy  out  everything  at  the  hollow  ships,  or  did 
thine  own  spirit  urge  thee  on  ?” 

Then  Dolon  answered  him,  his  limbs  trembling  beneath 
him : “ With  many  a blind  hope  did  Hector  lead  my  wits 
astray,  who  vowed  to  give  me  the  whole-hooved  horses  of 
the  proud  son  of  Peleus,  and  his  car  bedight  with  bronze : 
, and  he  bade  me  fare  through  the  swift  black  night,  and 
draw  nigh  the  foemen,  and  seek  out  whether  the  swift  ships 
ore  guarded,  as  of  old,  or  whether,  already,  being  subdued 


ic>6 


ILIAD  X,  397-428 


beneath  our  hands,  they  are  devising  of  flight  among  them- 
selves, and  have  no  care  to  watch  through  the  night,  being 
fordone  with  dread  weariness.” 

And  smiling  thereat  did  Odysseus  of  the  many  counsels 
make  him  answer : “ Verily  now  thy  soul  was  set  on  great 
rewards,  even  the  horses  of  the  wise  son  of  Aiakos,  but 
hard  are  they  for  mortal  men  to  master,  and  hard  to  drive, 
for  any  but  Achilles  only,  whom  a deathless  mother  bare. 
But  come,  tell  me  all  this  truly,  all  the  tale : where  when 
thou  earnest  hither  didst  thou  leave  Hector,  shepherd  of 
the  host,  and  where  lie  his  warlike  gear,  and  where  his 
horses  ? And  how  are  disposed  the  watches,  and  the  beds 
of  the  other  Trojans?  And  what  counsel  take  they  among 
themselves ; are  they  fain  to  abide  there  nigh  the  ships,  afar 
from  the  city,  or  will  they  return  to  the  city  again,  seeing 
that  they  have  subdued  unto  them  the  Achaians?” 

Then  Dolon  son  of  Eumedes  made  him  answer  again: 
“ Lo,  now  all  these  things  will  I recount  to  thee  most  truly. 
Hector  with  them  that  are  counsellors  holdeth  council  by 
the  barrow  of  godlike  Ilos,  apart  from  the  din,  but  as  for  the 
guards  whereof  thou  askest,  oh  hero,  no  chosen  watch  nor 
guard  keepeth  the  host.  As  for  all  the  watch  fires  of  the 
Trojans— on  them  is  necessity,  so  that  they  watch  and 
encourage  each  other  to  keep  guard  ; but,  for  the  allies 
called  from  many  lands,  they  are  sleeping  and  to  the  Tro- 
jans they  leave  it  to  keep  watch,  for  no  wise  near  dwell 
the  children  and  wives  of  the  allies.” 

Then  Odysseus  of  the  many  counsels  answered  him  and 
said  : “ How  stands  it  now,  do  they  sleep  amidst  the  horse- 
taming Trojans,  or  apart  ? tell  me  clearly,  that  I may  know.” 

Then  answered  him  Dolon  son  of  Eumedes : “Verily  all 
this  likewise  will  I recount  to  thee  truly.  Towards  the  sea  lie  the 
Karians,  and  Paionians  of  the  bended  bow,  and  the  Leleges 


ILIAD  X,  428-460 


197 


and  Kaukones,  and  noble  Pelasgoi.  And  towards  Thymbre 
the  Lykians  have  their  place,  and  the  haughty  Mysians,  and 
the  Phrygians  that  fight  from  chariots,  and  Maionians 
lords  of  chariots.  But  wherefore  do  ye  inquire  of  me 
throughly  concerning  all  these  things  ? for  if  ye  desire  to  steal 
into  the  throng  of  Trojans,  lo,  there  be  those  Thracians,  new 
comers,  at  the  furthest  point  apart  from  the  rest,  and  among 
them  their  king  Rhesos,  son  of  Eioneus.  His  be  the  fairest 
horses  that  ever  I beheld,  and  the  greatest,  whiter  than  snow, 
and  for  speed  like  the  winds.  And  his  chariot  is  fashioned 
well  with  gold  and  silver,  and  golden  is  his  armour  that  he 
brought  with  him,  marvellous,  a wonder  to  behold  ; such  as 
it  is  in  no  wise  fit  for  mortal  men  to  bear,  but  for  the  death- 
less gods.  But  bring  me  now  to  the  swift  ships,  or  leave 
me  here,  when  ye  have  bound  me  with  a ruthless  bond,  that 
ye  may  go  and  make  trial  of  me  whether  I have  spoken  to 
you  truth,  or  lies.” 

Then  strong  Diomedes,  looking  grimly  on  him,  said  : 
“ Put  no  thought  of  escape,  Dolon,  in  thy  heart,  for  all  the 
good  tidings  thou  hast  brought,  since  once  thou  hast  come 
into  our  hands.  For  if  now  we  release  thee  or  let  thee  go, 
on  some  later  day  wilt  thou  come  to  the  swift  ships  of  the 
Achaians,  either  to  play  the  spy,  or  to  fight  in  open  war,  but 
f subdued  beneath  my  hands  thou  lose  thy  life,  never  again 
wilt  thou  prove  a bane  to  the  Argives.” 

He  spake,  and  that  other  with  strong  hand  was  about  to 
:ouch  his  chin,  and  implore  his  mercy,  but  Diomedes  smote 
lim  on  the  midst  of  the  neck,  rushing  on  him  with  the  sword, 
ind  cut  through  both  the  sinews,  and  the  head  of  him  still 
speaking  was  mingled  with  the  dust.  And  they  stripped  him 
)f  the  casque  of  ferret’s  skin  from  off  his  head,  and  of  his 
volf-skin,  and  his  bended  bow,  and  his  long  spear,  and  these 
0 Athene  the  Giver  of  Spoil  did  noble  Odysseus  hold  aloft 


198 


ILIAD  X,  460-490 


in  his  hand,  and  he  prayed  and  spake  a word  : “ Rejoice,  0 
goddess,  in  these,  for  to  thee  first  of  all  the  Immortals  in 
Olympus  will  we  call  for  aid ; nay,  but  yet  again  send  us  on 
against  the  horses  and  the  sleeping  places  of  the  Thracian 
men.” 

So  spake  he  aloud,  and  lifted  from  him  the  spoils  or 
high,  and  set  them  on  a tamarisk  bush,  and  raised  thereon  2 
mark  right  plain  to  see,  gathering  together  reeds,  and  luxu 
riant  shoots  of  tamarisk,  lest  they  should  miss  the  place  a: 
they  returned  again  through  the  swift  dark  night 

So  the  twain  went  forward  through  the  arms,  and  the 
black  blood,  and  quickly  they  came  to  the  company  0: 
Thracian  men.  Now  they  were  slumbering,  fordone  witl 
toil,  but  their  goodly  weapons  lay  by  them  on  the  ground 
all  orderly,  in  three  rows,  and  by  each  man  his  pair  of  steeds 
And  Rhesos  slept  in  the  midst,  and  beside  him  his  swifi 
horses  were  bound  with  thongs  to  the  topmost  rim  of  the, 
chariot.  Him  Odysseus  spied  from  afar,  and  showed  hin 
unto  Diomedes  : “ Lo,  Diomedes,  this  is  the  man,  and  thes< 
are  the  horses . whereof  Dolon  that  we  slew  did  give  U! 
tidings.  But  come  now,  put  forth  thy  great  strength ; i 
doth  not  behove  thee  to  stand  idle  with  thy  weapons : nay 
loose  the  horses ; or  do  thou  slay  the  men,  and  of  the  horse: 
will  I take  heed.” 

So  spake  he,  and  into  that  other  bright- eyed  Athem 
breathed  might,  and  he  began  slaying  on  this  side  and  01 
that,  and  hideously  went  up  their  groaning,  as  they  weri 
smitten  with  the  sword,  and  the  earth  was  reddened  witl 
blood.  And  like  as  a lion  cometh  on  flocks  without  : 
herdsman,  on  goats  or  sheep,  and  leaps  upon  them  with  evi 
will,  so  set  the  son  of  Tydeus  on  the  men  of  Thrace,  till  h< 
had  slain  twelve.  But  whomsoever  the  son  of  Tydeus  dren 
near  and  smote  with  the  sword,  him  did  Odysseus  of  tin 


ILIAD  X,  490-519 


199 


many  counsels  seize  by  the  foot  from  behind,  and  drag  him 
out  of  the  way,  with  this  design  in  his  heart,  that  the  fair- 
maned horses  might  lightly  issue  forth,  and  not  tremble  in 
spirit,  when  they  trod  over  the  dead ; for  they  were  not  yet 
used  to  dead  men.  But  when  the-son  of  Tydeus  came  upon 
the  king,  he  was  the  thirteenth  from  whom  he  took  sweet 
life  away,  as  he  was  breathing  hard,  for  an  evil  dream  stood 
above  his  head  that  night,  even  the  seed  of  Oineus,  through 
the  device  of  Athene.  Meanwhile  the  hardy  Odysseus 
loosed  the  whole-hooved  horses,  and  bound  them  together 
with  thongs,  and  drave  them  out  of  the  press,  smiting  them 
with  his  bow,  since  he  had  not  taken  thought  to  lift  the 
shining  whip  with  his  hands  from  the  well-dight  chariot  t 
then  he  whistled  for  a sign  to  noble  Diomedes. 

But  Diomedes  stood  and  pondered  what  most  daring 
deed  he  might,  do,  whether  he  should  take  the  chariot,  where 
lay  the  fair-dight  armour,  and  drag  it  out  by  the  pole,  or  lift 
it  upon  high,  and  so  bear  it  forth,  or  whether  he  should  take 
the  life  away  from  yet  more  of  the  Thracians.  And  while 
he  was  pondering  this  in  his  heart,  then  Athene  drew  near, 
and  stood,  and  spake  to  noble  Diomedes : “ Bethink  thee 
of  returning,  O son  of  great-hearted  Tydeus,  to  the  hollow 
ships,  lest  perchance  thou  come  thither  in  flight,  and  per- 
chance another  god  rouse  up  the  Trojans  likewise.” 

So  spake  she,  and  he  observed  the  voice  of  the  utterance 
of  the  goddess,  and  swiftly  he  sprang  upon  the  steeds,  and 
Odysseus  smote  them  with  his  bow,  and  they  sped  to  the 
swift  ships  of  the  Achaians. 

Nay,  nor  a vain  watch  kept  Apollo  of  the  silver  bow, 
when  he  beheld  Athene  caring  for  the  son  of  Tydeus; 
in  wrath  against  her  he  stole  among  the  crowded  press 
of  Trojans,  and  aroused  a counsellor  of  the  Thracians, 
Hippokoon,  the  noble  kinsman  of  Rhesos.  And  he  started 


200 


ILIAD  X,  5 1 9-5  5 1 


out  of  sleep,  when  he  beheld  the  place  desolate  where  the 
swift  horses  had  stood,  and  beheld  the  men  gasping  in  the 
death  struggle  ; then  he  groaned  aloud,  and  called  out  by 
name  to  his  comrade  dear.  And  a clamour  arose  and  din 
unspeakable  of  the  Trojans  hasting  together,  and  they  mar- 
velled at  the  terrible  deeds,  even  all  that  the  heroes  had 
wrought,  and  had  gone  thereafter  to  the  hollow  ships. 

But  when  those  others  came  to  the  place  where  they 
had  slain  the  spy  of  Hector,  there  Odysseus,  dear  to  Zeus, 
checked  the  swift  horses,  and  Tydeus’  son,  leaping  to 
the  ground,  set  the  bloody  spoil  in  the  hands  of  Odysseus, 
and  again  mounted,  and  lashed  the  horses,  and  they  sped 
onward  nothing  loth  [to  the  hollow  ships,  for  there  they  fain 
would  be].  But  Nestor  first  heard  the  sound,  and  said  : “ 0 
friends,  leaders  and  counsellors  of  the  Argives,  shall  I be 
wrong  or  speak  sooth  ? for  my  heart  bids  me  speak.  The 
sound  of  swift-footed  horses  strikes  upon  mine  ears.  Would 
to  god  that  Odysseus  and  that  strong  Diomedes  may  even 
instantly  be  driving  the  whole-hooved  horses  from  among  the 
Trojans ; but  terribly  I fear  in  mine  heart  lest  the  bravest  of 
the  Argives  suffer  aught  through  the  Trojans’  battle-din.” 

Not  yet  was  his  whole  word  spoken,  when  they  came 
themselves,  and  leaped  down  to  earth,  but  gladly  the  others 
welcomed  them  with  hand -clasping,  and  with  honeyed 
words.  And  first  did  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  make 
question : “ Come,  tell  me  now,  renowned  Odysseus,  great 
glory  of  the  Achaians,  how  ye  twain  took  those  horses? 
Was  it  by  stealing  into  the  press  of  Trojans?  Or  did  some 
god  meet  you,  and  give  you  them  ? Wondrous  like  are 
they  to  rays  of  the  sun.  Ever  with  the  Trojans  do  I mix  in 
fight,  nor  methinks  do  I tarry  by  the  ships,  old  warrior  as 
I am.  But  never  yet  saw  I such  horses,  nor  deemed  of 
such.  Nay,  methinks  some  god  must  have  encountered  you 


ILIAD  X,  551-579 


201 


and  given  you  these.  For  both  of  you  doth  Zeus  the 
i cloud-gatherer  love,  and  the  maiden  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus, 
bright-eyed  Athene.” 

And  him  answered  Odysseus  of  the  many  counsels : “ O 
Nestor,  son  of  Neleus,  great  glory  of  the  Achaians,  lightly 
could  a god,  if  so  he  would,  give  even  better  steeds  than 
these,  for  the  gods  are  far  stronger  than  we.  But  as  for  these 
new  come  horses,  whereof,  old  man,  thou  askest  me,  they 
are  Thracian,  but  their  lord  did  brave  Diomedes  slay, 
and  beside  him  all  the  twelve  best  men  of  his  company. 
The  thirteenth  man  was  a spy  we  took  near  the  ships,  one 
that  Hector  and  the  other  haughty  Trojans  sent  forth  to 
1 pry  upon  our  camp.” 

So  spake  he,  and  drave  the  whole-hooved  horses  through 
the  fosse,  laughing ; and  the  other  Achaians  went  with  him 
joyfully.  But  when  they  had  come  to  the  well-built  hut  of 
the  son  of  Tydeus,  they  bound  the  horses  with  well-cut 
thongs,  at  the  mangers  where  the  swift  horses  of  Diomedes 
1 stood  eating  honey-sweet  barley. 

And  Odysseus  placed  the  bloody  spoils  of  Dolon  in  the 
stern  of  the  ship,  that  they  might  make  ready  a sacred 
offering  to  Athene.  But  for  themselves,  they  went  into  the 
sea,  and  washed  off  the  thick  sweat  from  shins,  and  neck, 
and  thighs.  But  when  the  wave  of  the  sea  had  washed  the 
thick  sweat  from  their  skin,  and  their  hearts  revived  again, 
they  went  into  polished  baths,  and  were  cleansed. 

And  when  they  had  washed,  and  anointed  them  with 
olive  oil,  they  sat  down  at  supper,  and  from  the  full  mixing 
bowl  they  drew  off  the  honey-sweet  .wine,  and  poured  it 
forth  to  Athene. 


BOOK  XI. 


Despite  the  glorious  deeds  of  Agamemnon,  the  Trojans  press  hard  on 
the  Achaians,  and  the  beginning  of  evil  comes  on  Patroklos. 

Now  Dawn  arose  from  her  couch  beside  proud  Tithonos, 
to  bring  light  to  the  Immortals  and  to  mortal  men.  But 
Zeus  sent  forth  fierce  Discord  unto  the  fleet  ships  of  the 
Achaians,  and  in  her  hands  she  held  the  signal  of  war.  And 
she  stood  upon  the  huge  black  ship  of  Odysseus,  that  was 
in  the  midst,  to  make  her  voice  heard  on  either  side,  both 
to  the  huts  of  Aias,  son  of  Telamon,  and  to  the  huts  of 
Achilles,  for  these  twain,  trusting  in  their  valour  and  the 
might  of  their  hands,  had  drawn  up  their  trim  ships  at 
the  two  ends  of  the  line.  There  stood  the  goddess  and 
cried  shrilly  in  a great  voice  and  terrible,  and  mighty 
strength  she  set  in  the  heart  of  each  of  the  Achaians,  to 
war  and  fight  unceasingly.  And  straightway  to  them  war 
grew  sweeter  than  to  depart  in  the  hollow  ships  to  their 
dear  native  land. 

Then  the  son  of  Atreus  cried  aloud,  and  bade  the 
Argives  arm  them,  and  himself  amid  them  did  on  the  flash- 
ing bronze.  First  he  fastened  fair  greaves  about  his  legs, 
fitted  with  ankle-clasps  of  silver;  next  again  he  did  his 
breastplate  about  his  breast,  the  breastplate  that  in  time 
past  Kinyras  gave  him  for  a guest-gift.  For  afar  in  Cyprus 
did  Kinyras  hear  the  mighty  rumour  how  that  the  Achaians 


ILIAD  XI,  20-54 


203 


were  about  to  sail  forth  to  Troy  in  their  ships,  where- 
fore did  Kinyras  give  him  the  breastplate,  to  do  pleasure 
to  the  king.  Now  therein  were  ten  courses  of  black 
cyanus,  and  twelve  of  gold,  and  twenty  of  tin,  and  dark 
blue  snakes  writhed  up  towards  the  neck,  three  on  either 
side,  like  rainbows  that  the  son  of  Kronos  hath  set  in  the 
clouds,  a marvel  of  the  mortal  tribes  of  men.  And  round 
his  shoulders  he  cast  his  sword,  wherein  shone  studs  of 
gold,  but  the  scabbard  about  it  was  silver,  fitted  with  golden 
chains.  And  he  took  the  richly-dight  shield  of  his  valour 
that  covereth  all  the  body  of  a man,  a fair  shield,  and 
round  about  it  were  ten  circles  of  bronze,  and  thereon  were 
twenty  white  bosses  of  tin,  and  one  in  the  midst  of  black 
cyanus.  And  thereon  was  embossed  the  Gorgon  fell  of 
aspect  glaring  terribly,  and  about  her  were  Dread  and 
Terror.  And  from  the  shield  was  hung  a baldric  of  silver, 
and  thereon  was  curled  a snake  of  cyanus ; three  heads 
interlaced  had  he,  growing  out  of  one  neck.  And  on  his 
head  Agamemnon  set  a two-crested  helm  with  fourfold 
plate,  and  plume  of  horse-hair,  and  terribly  the  crest 
nodded  from  above.  And  he  grasped  two  strong  spears, 
shod  with  bronze  and  keen,  and  far  forth  from  him  into 
the  heaven  shone  the  bronze ; and  thereat  Hera  and 
Athene  thundered,  honouring  the  king  of  Mykene  rich  in 
gold. 

Then  each  man  gave  in  charge  his  horses  to  his  char- 
ioteer, to  hold  them  in  by  the  fosse,  well  and  orderly,  and 
themselves  as  heavy  men  at  arms  were  hasting  about,  being 
harnessed  in  their  gear,  and  unquenchable  the  cry  arose 
into  the  Dawn.  And  long  before  the  charioteers  were  they 
arrayed  at  the  fosse,  but  after  them  a little  way  came  up  the 
drivers.  And  among  them  the  son  of  Kronos  aroused  an 
evil  din,  and  from  above  rained  down  dew  dank  with  blood 


204 


ILIAD  XI,  54-85 


out  of  the  upper  air,  for  that  he  was  about  to  send  many 
strong  men  down  to  Hades. 

But  the  Trojans  on  the  other  side,  on  the  high  ground 
of  the  plain,  gathered  them  around  great  Hector,  and  noble 
Polydamas,  and  Aineias  that  as  a god  was  honoured  by 
the  people  of  the  Trojans,  and  the  three  sons  of  Antenor, 
Polybos,  and  noble  Agenor,  and  young  Akamas  like  unto 
the  Immortals.  And  Hector  in  the  foremost  rank  bare  the 
circle  of  his  shield.  And  as  from  amid  the  clouds  appeareth 
glittering  a baneful  star,  and  then  again  sinketh  within  the 
shadowy  clouds,  even  so  Hector  would  now  appear  among 
the  foremost  ranks,  and  again  would  be  giving  command 
in  the  rear,  and  all  in  bronze  he  shone,  like  the  lightning 
of  aegis-bearing  father  Zeus. 

And  even  as  when  reapers  over  against  each  other  drive 
their  swaths  through  a rich  man’s  field  of  wheat  or  barley, 
and  thick  fall  the  handfuls,  even  so  the  Trojans  and 
Achaians  leaped  upon  each  other,  destroying,  and  neither 
side  took  thought  of  ruinous  flight ; and  equal  heads  had 
the  battle,  and  they  rushed  on  like  wolves.  And  woful 
Discord  was  glad  at  the  sight,  for  she  alone  of  the  gods  was 
with  them  in  the  war ; for  the  other  gods  were  not  beside 
them,  but  in  peace  they  sat  within  their  halls,  where  the 
goodly  mansion  of  each  was  builded  in  the  folds  of 
Olympus.  And  they  all  were  blaming  the  son  of  Kronos, 
lord  of  the  storm-cloud,  for  that  he  willed  to  give  glory  to 
the  Trojans.  But  of  them  took  the  father  no  heed,  but 
aloof  from  the  others  he  sat  apart,  glad  in  his  glory, 
looking  toward  the  city  of  the  Trojans,  and  the  ships  of  the 
Achaians,  and  the  glitter  of  bronze,  and  the  slayers  and  the 
slain. 

So  long  as  morning  was,  and  the  sacred  day  still  waxed, 
so  long  did  the  shafts  of  both  hosts  strike,  and  the  folk 


ILIAD  XI,  86-115 


205 


fell,  but  about  the  hour  when  a woodman  maketh  ready 
his  meal,  in  the  dells  of  a mountain,  when  he  hath  tired 
his  hands  with  felling  tall  trees,  and  weariness  cometh  on 
his  soul,  and  desire  of  sweet  food  taketh  his  heart,  even 
then  the  Danaans  by  their  valour  brake  the  battalions, 
and  called  on  their  comrades  through  the  lines.  And 
in  rushed  Agamemnon  first  of  all,  and  slew  a man,  even 
Bienor,  shepherd  of  the  hosts,  first  himself,  and  next  his 
comrade  Oileus,  the  charioteer.  He  verily  leaped  from 
the  chariot  and  stood  and  faced  Agamemnon,  but  the  king 
smote  the  brow  of  him  with  the  sharp  spear  as  he  came 
eagerly  on,  and  his  vizor  heavy  with  bronze  held  not  off 
the  spear,  but  through  vizor  and  bone  it  sped,  and  the  brain 
within  was  all  scattered,  and  so  was  Oileus  overcome  despite 
his  eagerness. 

And  them  did  Agamemnon  king  of  men  leave  in  that 
place,  with  their  breasts  gleaming,  when  he  had  stripped  them 
of  their  corslets,  and  he  went  on  to  destroy  Isos  and  Anti- 
phos,  two  sons  of  Priam,  one  born  in  wedlock,  the  other  a 
bastard,  and  both  were  in  one  chariot  : the  bastard  held  the 
reins,  but  renowned  Antiphos  was  fighting  by  him.  These 
twain  did  Achilles  on  the  spurs  of  Ida  once  bind  with  fresh 
withes,  taking  them  as  they  herded  the  sheep,  and  he  ran- 
somed them  for  a price.  But  now  Agamemnon,  son  of 
Atreus,  of  the  wide  domain,  smote  Isos  on  the  breast,  above 
the  nipple,  with  his  spear,  but  Antiphos  he  struck  hard  by 
the  ear,  w-ith  the  sword,  and  dashed  him  from  the  chariot. 
Then  made  he  haste,  and  stripped  from  them  their  goodly 
harness,  well  knowing  who  they  were,  for  he  had  seen  them 
before  beside  the  fleet  ships  when  swift-footed  Achilles  led 
them  from  Ida.  And  as  a lion  easily  crusheth  the  young 
fawns  of  a swift  hind,  when  that  he  hath  seized  them  in  his 
strong  teeth,  and  hath  come  to  their  lair,  and  taketh  their 


20  6 


ILIAD  XI,  1 1 5-145 


tender  life  away, — and  the  hind,  even  if  she  chance  to  be 
near  at  hand,  cannot  help  them,  for  on  herself  too  cometb 
dread  terror,  and  swiftly  she  speedeth  through  the  thick 
coppice  and  the  woodland,  hasting  and  sweating  before  the 
onslaught  of  the  mighty  beast, — even  so  not  one  of  the 
Trojans  did  avail  to  save  them  from  their  bane,  but  them- 
selves were  fleeing  in  fear  before  the  Argives. 

Next  took  he  Peisandros  and  Hippolochos,  steadfast  in 
fight  These  were  sons  of  wise-hearted  Antimachos,  who 
chiefly  had  taken  the  gold  of  Alexandros,  goodly  gifts,  and 
therefore  never  would  consent  to  give  Helen  to  fair-haired 
Menelaos.  His  two  sons  then  lord  Agamemnon  took,  both 
being  in  one  car,  and  together  they  were  driving  the  swift 
steeds;  for  the  shining  reins  had  fallen  from  their  hands, 
and  the  horses  were  all  distraught  with  dread,  and  he  set 
on  against  them,  like  a lion, — even  the  son  of  Atreus, 
— but  from  their  chariot  the  twain  did  supplicate  him : 
“ Take  us  alive,  O son  of  Atreus,  and  receive  worthy  ran- 
som, for  in  the  halls  of  Antimachos  lie  many  posses- 
sions, bronze,  and  gold,  and  smithied  iron ; out  of  these 
could  our  father  do  thee  grace  with  ransom  past  telling, 
if  he  heard  that  we  twain  were  alive  by  the  ships  of  the 
Achaians.” 

So  did  the  twain  weeping  beseech  the  king  with  soft 
words,  but  they  heard  a voice  wherein  was  no  softness  at 
all : “ If  indeed  ye  be  the  sons  of  wise  Antimachos,  who 
once  in  the  assembly  of  the  Trojans  bade  slay  Menelaos 
there,  when  he  came  on  an  embassy  with  godlike  Odysseus, 
nor  ever  let  him  return  to  the  Achaians,  now  verily  shall  ye 
pay  the  price  of  your  father’s  foul  shame.” 

He  spake  and  dashed  Peisandros  from  his  chariot  to  the 
earth,  smiting  him  with  the  spear  upon  the  breast,  and  he 
lay  supine  on  the  ground.  But  Hippolochos  rushed  away. 


ILIAD  XI,  145-176 


207 


and  him  too  he  smote  to  earth,  and  cut  off  his  arms  and 
his  neck  with  the  sword,  then  tossed  him  like  a ball  of 
stone  to  roll  through  the  throng.  Then  left  he  them,  and 
where  thickest  clashed  the  battalions,  there  he  set  on,  and 
with  him  all  the  well-greaved  Achaians.  Footmen  kept 
slaying  footmen  as  they  were  driven  in  flight,  and  horsemen 
slaying  horsemen  with  the  sword,  and  from  beneath  them 
rose  up  the  dust  from  the  plain,  stirred  by  the  thundering 
hooves  of  horses.  And  the  lord  Agamemnon,  ever  slaying, 
followed  after,  calling  on  the  Argives.  And  as  when  ruin- 
ous fire  falleth  on  dense  woodland,  and  the  whirling  wind 
beareth  it  everywhere,  and  the  thickets  fall  utterly  before 
it,  being  smitten  by  the  onset  of  the  fire,  even  so  beneath 
Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus  fell  the  heads  of  the  Trojans 
as  they  fled ; and  many  strong-necked  horses  rattled  empty 
cars  along  the  highways  of  the  battle,  lacking  their  noble 
charioteers ; but  they  on  the  earth  were  lying,  far  more 
dear  to  the  vultures  than  to  their  wives. 

But  Hector  did  Zeus  draw  forth  from  the  darts  and 
the  dust,  from  the  man-slaying,  and  the  blood,  and  the  din, 
and  the  son  of  Atreus  followed  on,  crying  eagerly  to  the 
Danaans.  And  past  the  tomb  of  ancient  Ilos,  son  of 
Dardanos,  across  the  mid  plain,  past  the  place  of  the  wild 
fig-tree  they  sped,  making  for  the  city,  and  ever  the  son 
of  Atreus  followed  shouting,  and  his  invincible  hands  were 
defiled  with  gore.  But  when  they  were  come  to  the  Skaian 
gates,  and  the  oak-tree,  there  then  they  halted,  and  awaited 
each  other.  But  some  were  still  in  full  flight  through  the 
mid  plain,  like  kine  that  a lion  hath  scattered,  coming  on 
them  in  the  dead  of  night ; all  hath  he  scattered,  but  to  one 
sheer  death  appeareth  instantly,  and  he  breaketh  her  neck 
first,  seizing  her  with  strong  teeth,  and  thereafter  swalloweth 
greedily  the  blood  and  all  the  guts  ; even  so  lord  Aga 


2oS 


ILIAD  XI,  176-209 


memnon  son  of  Atreus  followed  hard  on  the  Trojans,  ever 
slaying  the  hindmost  man,  and  they  were  scattered  in  flight, 
and  on  face  or  back  many  of  them  fell  from  their  chariots 
beneath  the  hands  of  Agamemnon,  for  mightily  he  raged 
with  the  spear.  But  when  he  was  now  about  coming  below 
the  city,  and  the  steep  wall,  then  did  the  father  of  men  and 
gods  sit  him  down  on  the  crests  of  many-fountained  Ida, 
from  heaven  descending,  with  the  thunderbolt  in  his  hands. 

Then  sent  he  forth  Iris  of  the  golden  wings,  to  bear 
his  word : “Up  and  go,  swift  Iris,  and  tell  this  word  unto 
Hector : So  long  as  he  sees  Agamemnon,  shepherd  of  the 
host,  raging  among  the  foremost  fighters,  and  ruining  the 
ranks  of  men,  so  long  let  him  hold  back,  but  bid  the  rest 
of  the  host  war  with  the  foe  in  strong  battle.  But  when,  or 
smitten  with  the  spear  or  wounded  with  arrow  shot,  Aga- 
memnon leapeth  into  his  chariot,  then  will  I give  Hector 
strength  to  slay  till  he  come  even  to  the  well-timbered  ships, 
and  the  sun  go  down,  and  sacred  darkness  draw  on.” 

So  spake  he,  and  wind-footed  swift  Iris  disobeyed  him 
not,  but  she  went  down  from  the  hills  of  Ida  to  sacred  Ilios, 
and  she  found  the  son  of  wise-hearted  Priam,  noble  Hector, 
standing  among  the  horses,  and  firm-bound  chariots,  and 
swift-footed  Iris  drew  near  and  spake  to  him  : “ Hector,  son 
of  Priam,  peer  of  Zeus  in  counsel ; lo,  Zeus  the  father  hath 
sent  me  forth,  to  bear  thee  this  command : So  long  as  thou 
seest  Agamemnon,  the  shepherd  of  the  host,  raging  among 
the  foremost  fighters,  and  ruining  the  ranks  of  men,  so  long 
hold  back  from  the  fight,  but  bid  the  rest  of  the  host  war 
with  the  foe  in  strong  battle.  But  when,  or  smitten  with  the 
spear  or  wounded  with  arrow  shot,  Agamemnon  leapeth  into 
his  chariot,  then  will  Zeus  give  thee  strength  to  slay  till  thou 
come  even  to  the  well-timbered  ships,  and  the  sun  go  down 
and  sacred  darkness  draw  on.” 


ILIAD  XI,  2 1 0-241 


209 


So  spake  swift- footed  Iris  and  departed,  but  Hector 
with  his  harness  leaped  from  the  chariot  to  the  ground, 
and,  shaking  his  sharp  spears  went  through  all  the  host, 
stirring  up  his  men  to  fight,  and  he  roused  the  dread  din  of 
battle.  And  they  wheeled  round,  and  stood  and  faced  the 
Achaians,  while  the  Argives  on  the  other  side  strengthened 
their  battalions.  And  battle  was  made  ready,  and  they  stood 
over  against  each  other,  and  Agamemnon  first  rushed  in, 
being  eager  to  fight  far  in  front  of  all. 

Tell  me  now,  ye  Muses  that  inhabit  mansions  in  Olympus, 
who  was  he  that  first  encountered  Agamemnon,  whether  of 
the  Trojans  themselves,  or  of  their  allies  renowned  ? It 
was  Iphidamas,  son  of  Antenor,  great  and  mighty,  who  was 
nurtured  in  Thrace  rich  of  soil,  the  mother  of  sheep,  and 
Kisses  his  mother’s  father  reared  him  in  the  halls,  while  he 
was  but  a little  child, — even  the  father  of  Theano  fair  of  face. 
Then  when  he  came  to  the  measure  of  glorious  youth,  he  tried 
to  keep  him  there,  and  offered  him  his  own  daughter ; but 
a bridegroom  new  wed,  he  went  from  his  bridal  chamber  after 
the  tidings  of  the  coming  of  the  Achaians,  with  twelve  beaked 
ships  that  followed  after  him.  These  trim  ships  he  left  in 
Perkote,  but  himself  came  by  land  to  Ilios ; he  it  was  that 
then  encountered  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus.  And  when 
they  were  come  near  in  onset  against  each  other,  Atreus’  son 
missed,  and  his  spear  was  turned  aside,  but  Iphidamas  smote 
him  on  the  girdle,  below  the  corslet,  and  himself  pressed 
on,  trusting  to  his  heavy  hand,  but  pierced  not  the  gleam 
ing  girdle,  for  long  ere  that  the  point  struck  on  the 
silver,  and  was  bent  like  lead.  Then  wide-ruling  Agamem- 
non caught  the  spear  with  his  hand  and  drew  it  toward 
him  furiously,  like  a lion,  and  snatched  it  out  of  the  hand 
of  Iphidamas,  and  smote  his  neck  with  the  sword,  and 
unstrung  his  limbs.  So  even  there  he  fell,  and  slept  a sleep 

P 


2 10 


ILIAD  XI,  241-27 1 


of  bronze  most  piteously,  far  from  his  wedded  wife,  help- 
ing the  folk  of  the  city, — far  from  his  bride,  of  whom  he 
had  known  no  joy,  and  much  had  he  given  for  her : first  a 
hundred  kine  he  gave,  and  thereafter  promised  a thousand, 
goats  and  sheep  together,  whereof  he  had  herds  unspeak- 
able. Then  did  Agamemnon  son  of  Atreus  strip  him, 
and  went  bearing  his  goodly  harness  into  the  throng  of  the 
Achaians. 

Now  when  Koon  beheld  him,  Koon  Antenor’s  eldest 
son,  illustrious  among  men,  strong  sorrow  came  on  him, 
covering  his  eyes,  for  his  brother’s  fall : and  he  stood  on 
one  side  with  his  spear,  and  unmarked  of  noble  Agamemnon 
smote  him  on  the  mid-arm,  beneath  the  elbow,  and  clean 
through  went  the  point  of  the  shining  spear.  Then  Aga- 
memnon king  of  men  shuddered,  yet  not  even  so  did  he 
cease  from  battle  and  war,  but  rushed  against  Koon,  grasp- 
ing his  wind-nurtured  spear.  Verily  then  Koon  seized  right 
lustily  by  the  foot  Iphidamas,  his  brother,  and  his  father’s 
son,  and  called  to  all  the  best  of  his  men ; but  him,  as  he 
dragged  the  dead  through  the  press,  beneath  his  bossy 
shield  Agamemnon  wounded  with  a bronze-shod  spear,  and 
unstrung  his  limbs,  and  drew  near  and  cut  off  his  head  over 
Iphidamas.  There  the  sons  of  Antenor,  at  the  hands  of 
Agamemnon  the  king,  filled  up  the  measure  of  their  fate, 
and  went  down  within  the  house  of  Hades. 

But  Agamemnon  ranged  among  the  ranks  of  men,  with 
spear,  and  sword,  and  great  stones  for  throwing,  while  yet 
the  blood  welled  warm  from  his  wound.  But  when  the 
wound  waxed  dry,  and  the  blood  ceased  to  flow,  then  keen 
pangs  came  orr-tbe  might  of  the  son  of  Atreus.  And  even 
as  when  the  keen  shaft  cometh  upon  a woman  in  her  travail, 
the  piercing  shaft  that  the  goddesses  of  the  birth-pangs  send, 
even  the  Eilithyiai,  the  daughters  of  Hera  that  have  bittei 


ILIAD  XI,  272-301 


211 


pangs  in  their  gift,  even  so  keen  pains  sank  into  the  might 
of  the  son  of  Atreus.  Then  leaped  he  into  his  chariot, 
and  bade  his  charioteer  drive  to  the  hollow  ships,  for 
he  was  sore  vexed  at  heart.  And  he  called  in  a piercing 
voice,  and  shouted  to  the  Danaans : “ O friends,  leaders 
and  counsellors  of  the  Argives,  do  ye  now  ward  from  the 
seafaring  ships  the  harsh  din  of  battle,  for  Zeus  the  coun- 
sellor suffers  me  not  all  day  to  war  with  the  Trojans.” 

So  spake  he,  and  his  charioteer  lashed  the  fair-maned 
steeds  toward  the  hollow  ships,  and  they  flew  onward 
nothing  loth,  and  their  breasts  were  covered  with  foam, 
and  their  bellies  were  stained  with  dust,  as  they  bore  the 
wounded  king  away  from  the  war. 

But  Hector,  when  he  beheld  Agamemnon  departed, 
cried  to  the  Trojans  and  Lykians  with  a loud  shout:  “Ye 
Trojans  and  Lykians,  and  Dardanians  that  war  in  close 
fight,  be  men,  my  friends,  and  be  mindful  of  your  impetuous 
valour.  The  best  man  of  them  hath  departed  and  to  me 
hath  Zeus,  the  son  of  Kronos,  given  great  renown.  But 
straightway  drive  ye  the  whole -hooved  horses  against  the 
mighty  Danaans,  that  ye  may  be  the  masters  and  bear  away 
the  higher  glory.” 

So  spake  he,  and  aroused  the  might  and  spirit  of  every 
man.  And  even  as  when  some  hunter  tars  on  his  white- 
toothed hounds  against  a boar  of  the  wild,  or  a lion,  even 
so  did  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  like  unto  Ares  the  bane  of 
men,  tar  on  the  great-hearted  Trojans  against  the  Achaians. 
Himself  with  high  thoughts  he  fared  among  the  foremost, 
and  fell  upon  the  fight,  like  a roaring  blast,  that  leapeth 
down  and  stirreth  the  violet-coloured  deep.  There  whom 
first,  whom  last  did  he  slay,  even  Hector,  son  of  Priam, 
when  Zeus  vouchsafed  him  renown  ? 

Asaios  first,  and  Autonoos,  and  Opites,  and  Dolops,  son 


2 12 


ILIAD  XI,  302-333 


of  Klytios,  and  Opheltios,  and  Agelaos,  and  Aisymnos,  and 
Oros,  and  Hipponoos  steadfast  in  the  fight ; these  leaders  of 
the  Danaans  he  slew,  and  thereafter  smote  the  multitude, 
even  as  when  the  West  Wind  driveth  the  clouds  of  the  white 
South  Wind,  smiting  with  deep  storm,  and  the  wave  swelleth 
huge,  rolling  onward,  and  the  spray  is  scattered  on  high 
beneath  the  rush  of  the  wandering  wind;  even  so  many 
heads  of  the  host  were  smitten  by  Hector. 

There  had  ruin  begun,  and  deeds  remedeless  been 
wrought,  and  now  would  all  the  Achaians  have  fled  and 
fallen  among  the  ships,  if  Odysseus  had  not  called  to  Dio- 
medes,  son  of  Tydeus  : “Tydeus’  son,  what  ails  us  that  we 
forget  our  impetuous  valour  ? Nay,  come  hither,  friend, 
and  take  thy  stand  by  me,  for  verily  it  will  be  shame  if 
Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  take  the  ships.” 

And  to  him  strong  Diomedes  spake  in  answer  : “ Verily 
will  I abide  and  endure,  but  short  will  be  all  our  profit,  for 
Zeus,  the  cloud-gatherer,  clearly  desireth  to  give  victory  to 
the  Trojans  rather  than  to  us.” 

He  spake,  and  drave  Thymbraios  from  his  chariot  to  the 
ground,  smiting  him  with  the  spear  in  the  left  breast,  and 
Odysseus  smote  Molion  the  god-like  squire  of  that  prince. 
These  then  they  let  be,  when  they  had  made  them  cease 
from  war,  and  then  the  twain  fared  through  the  crowd  with 
a din,  as  when  two  boars  full  of  valour  fall  on  the  hunting 
hounds  ; so  rushed  they  on  again,  and  slew  the  Trojans, 
while  gladly  the  Achaians  took  breath  again  in  their  flight 
from  noble  Hector. 

There  took  they  a chariot  and  two  of  the  best  men  of  the 
people,  two  sons  of  Merops  of  Perkote,  who  above  all  men 
was  skilled  in  soothsaying,  nor  would  he  suffer  his  children 
to  go  to  ruinous  war ; but  in  nowise  did  the  twain  obey  him, 
for  the  Fates  of  black  death  led  them  on.  Them  did  the 


ILIAD  XI,  333-363 


213 


son  of  Tydeus,  Diomedes,  spearman  renowned,  deprive  of 
life  and  spirit,  and  took  away  their  glorious  harness.  And 
Odysseus  stripped  Hippodamos  and  Hypeirochos.  Then 
Kronion  stretched  for  them  the  line  of  battle  level,  as  he 
looked  down  from  Ida,  and  they  kept  slaying  each  other. 
Then  Tydeus’  son  smote  the  hero  Agastrophos,  son  ol 
Paion,  on  the  hip-joint,  with  his  spear  ; nor  were  his  horses 
near,  for  him  to  flee,  and  great  blindness  was  on  his  spirit ; 
for  the  squire  held  them  aloof,  but  on  foot  he  was  charg- 
ing through  the  foremost  fighters,  till  he  lost  his  life.  But 
Hector  quickly  spied  them  among  the  ranks,  and  rushed 
upon  them  shouting,  and  with  him  followed  the  battalions 
of  the  Trojans.  And  beholding  him,  Diomedes  of  the  loud 
war-cry  shuddered,  and  straightway  spake  to  Odysseus  that 
was  hard  by : “ Lo,  on  us  this  ruin,  even  mighty  Hector, 
is  rolling  : let  us  stand,  and  await  him,  and  ward  off  his 
onset.” 

So  spake  he,  and  swayed  and  sent  forth  his  far-shadow- 
ing spear,  and  smote  him  nor  missed,  for  he  aimed  at  the 
head,  on  the  summit  of  the  crest,  and  bronze  by  bronze  was 
turned,  nor  reached  his  fair  flesh,  for  it  was  stopped  by  the 
threefold  helm  with  its  socket,  that  Phoebus  Apollo  to 
Hector  gave.  But  Hector  sprang  back  a wondrous  way,  and 
mingled  with  the  throng,  and  he  rested,  fallen  on  his  knee, 
and  leaned  on  the  ground  with  his  stout  hand,  and  dark 
night  veiled  his  eyes. 

But  while  Tydeus’  son  was  following  after  his  spear-cast, 
far  through  the  foremost  fighters,  where  he  saw  it  sink  into 
the  earth,  Hector  gat  breath  again,  and  leaping  back  into  his 
chariot  drave  out  into  the  throng,  and  avoided  black  Fate. 
Then  rushing  on  with  his  spear  mighty  Diomedes  spake  to 
him  : “ Dog,  thou  art  now  again  escaped  from  death  ; yet 
came  ill  very  nigh  thee  : but  now  hath  Phoebus  Apollo  saved 


ILIAD  XI,  363-394 


214 

thee,  to  whom  thou  must  surely  pray  when  thou  goest  amid 
the  clash  of  spears.  Venly  I will  slay  thee  yet  when  I meet 
thee  hereafter,  if  any  god  is  helper  of  me  too.  Now  will  I 
make  after  the  rest,  whomsoever  I may  seize.” 

So  spake  he,  and  stripped  the  son  of  Paeon,  spearman 
renowned.  But  Alexandras,  the  lord  of  fair-tressed  Helen, 
aimed  with  his  arrows  at  Tydeides,  shepherd  of  the  host ; 
leaning  as  he  aimed  against  a pillar  on  the  barrow,  by  men 
fashioned,  of  Ilos,  son  of  Dardanos,  an  elder  of  the  people 
in  time  gone  by.  Now  Diomedes  was  stripping  the  shining 
corslet  of  strong  Agastrophos  from  about  his  breast,  and  the 
shield  from  his  shoulders,  and  his  strong  helmet,  when  Paris 
drew  the  centre  of  his  bow  ; nor  vainly  did  the  shaft  fly  from 
his  hand,  for  he  smote  the  flat  of  the  right  foot  of  Diomedes, 
and  the  arrow  went  clean  through,  and  stood  fixed  in  the 
earth ; and  right  sweetly  laughing  Paris  leaped  up  from  his 
lair,  and  boasted,  and  said  : “ Thou  art  smitten,  nor  vainly 
hath  the  dart  flown  forth ; would  that  I had  smitten  thee 
in  the  nether  belly,  and  taken  thy  life  away.  So  should  the 
Trojans  have  breathed  again  from  their  trouble,  they  that 
shudder  at  thee,  as  bleating  goats  at  a lion.” 

But  him  answered  strong  Diomedes,  no  wise  dismayed  : 
“ Bowman,  reviler,  proud  in  thy  bow  of  horn,1  thou  gaper 
after  girls,  verily  if  thou  madest  trial  in  full  harness,  man  to 
man,  thy  bow  and  showers  of  shafts  would  nothing  avail 
thee,  but  now  thou  boastest  vainly,  for  that  thou  hast  grazed 
the  sole  of  my  foot.  I care  not,  more  than  if  a woman  had 
struck  me  or  a senseless  boy,  for  feeble  is  the  dart  of  a 
craven  man  and  a worthless.  In  other  wise  from  my  hand, 
yea,  if  it  do  but  touch,  the  sharp  shaft  fiieth,  and  straightway 
layeth  low  its  man,  and  tom  are  the  cheeks  of  his  wife,  and 
fatherless  his  children,  and  he,  reddening  the  earth  with 
* Or,  rather,  “ resplendent  with  thy  lovelock.  ” 


ILIAD  XI,  394-425  215 

his  blood,  doth  rot  away,  more  birds  than  women  round 
him.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Odysseus,  spearman  renowned,  drew 
near,  and  stood  in  front  of  him,  and  Diomedes  sat  down 
behind  him,  and  drew  the  sharp  arrow  from  his  foot,  and 

!a  sore  pang  passed  through  his  flesh.  Then  sprang  he 
into  his  car,  and  bade  his  charioteer  drive  back  to  the 
hollow  ships,  for  he  was  hurt  at  heart.  Then  Odysseus, 
spearman  renowned,  was  left  alone,  nor  did  one  of  the 
Argives  abide  by  him,  for  fear  had  fallen  on  them  all. 
Then  in  heaviness  he  spoke  to  his  own  great-hearted  spirit  : 
“ Ah  me,  what  thing  shall  befall  me  ! A great  evil  it  is  if 
I flee,  in  dread  of  the  throng  ; yet  worse  is  this,  if  I be 

I taken  all  alone,  for  the  other  Danaans  hath  Kronion  scattered 
in  flight.  But  wherefore  doth  my  heart  thus  converse  with 
herself  ? for  I know  that  they  are  cowards,  who  flee  the  fight, 
but  whosoever  is  a hero  in  war,  him  it  mainly  behoves  to 
stand  stubbornly,  whether  he  be  smitten,  or  whether  he  smite 
another.” 

While  he  pondered  thus  in  heart  and  spirit,  the  ranks 
came  on  of  the  Trojans  under  shield,  and  hemmed  him  in 
the  midst,  setting  among  them  their  own  bane.  And  even 
as  when  hounds  and  young  men  in  their  bloom  press  round 
a boar,  and  he  cometh  forth  from  his  deep  lair,  whetting  his 
white  tusk  between  crooked  jaws,  and  round  him  they  rush, 
and  the  sound  of  the  gnashing  of  tusks  ariseth,  and  straight- 
way they  await  his  assault,  so  dread  as  he  is,  even  so  then 
round  Odysseus,  dear  to  Zeus,  rushed  the  Trojans.  And  first 
he  wounded  noble  Deiopites,  from  above,  in  the  shoulder, 
leaping  on  him  with  sharp  spear,  and  next  he  slew  Thoon 
and  Ennomos,  and  next  Chersidamas,  being  leapt  down 
from  his  chariot,  he  smote  with  the  spear  on  the  navel 
beneath  the  bossy  shield,  and  he  fell  in  the  dust  and  clutched 


ILIAD  XI,  425-456 


216 

the  ground  with  the  hollow  of  his  hand.  These  left  he,  and 
wounded  Charops,  son  of  Hippasos,  with  the  spear,  the 
brother  of  high-born  Sokos.  And  to  help  him  came  Sokos, 
a godlike  man,  and  stood  hard  by  him,  and  spake  saying  : 
“ O renowned  Odysseus,  insatiable  of  craft  and  toil,  to-day 
shalt  thou  either  boast  over  two  sons  of  Hippasos,  as  having 
slain  two  such  men  of  might,  and  stripped  their  harness, 
or  smitten  by  my  spear  shalt  lose  thy  life.” 

So  spake  he,  and  smote  him  on  the  circle  of  his  shield ; 
through  the  shining  shield  passed  the  strong  spear,  and 
through  the  fair-dight  corslet  it  was  thrust,  and  tore  clean 
off  the  flesh  of  the  flanks,  but  Pallas  Athene  did  not  suffer  it 
to  mingle  with  the  bowels  of  the  hero,  and  Odysseus  knew 
that  the  dart  had  in  nowise  lighted  on  a deadly  spot,  and 
drawing  backward,  he  spake  unto  Sokos  : “ Ah,  wretched 
one,  verily  sheer  destruction  is  come  upon  thee.  Surely  thou 
hast  made  me  to  cease  from  warring  among  the  Trojans,  but 
here  to  thee  I declare  that  slaying  and  black  Fate  will  be  upon 
thee  this  day,  and  beneath  my  spear  overthrown  shalt  thou 
give  glory  to  me,  and  thy  soul  to  Hades  of  the  noble  steeds.” 

He  spake,  and  the  other  turned,  and  started  to  flee, 
and  in  his  back  as  he  turned  he  fixed  the  spear,  between 
the  shoulders,  and  drave  it  through  the  breast.  Then  he 
fell  with  a crash,  and  noble  Odysseus  boasted  over  him : 
“Ah,  Sokos,  son  of  wise-hearted  Hippasos  the  tamer  of 
horses,  the  end  of  death  hath  come  upon  and  caught  thee, 
nor  hast  thou  avoided.  Ah,  wretch,  thy  father  and  lady 
mother  shall  not  close  thine  eyes  in  death,  but  birds  that 
eat  flesh  raw  shall  tear  thee,  shrouding  thee  in  the  multi- 
tude of  their  wings.  But  to  me,  if  I die,  the  noble  Achaians 
will  yet  give  due  burial.” 

So  spake  he,  and  drew  the  mighty  spear  of  wise-hearted 
Sokos  forth  from  his  flesh,  and  from  his  bossy  shield,  and  his 


ILIAD  XI,  456-487 


217 

blood  flowed  forth  when  the  spear  was  drawn  away,  and 
afflicted  his  spirit.  And  the  great-hearted  Trojans  when  they 
beheld  the  blood  of  Odysseus,  with  clamour  through  the 
throng  came  all  together  against  him.  But  he  gave  ground, 
and  shouted  unto  his  comrades  : thrice  he  shouted  then,  as 
loud  as  man’s  mouth  might  cry,  and  thrice  did  Menelaos 
dear  to  Zeus  hear  his  call,  and  quickly  he  spake  to  Aias  that 
was  hard  by  him  : “Aias,  of  the  seed  of  Zeus,  child  of  Tela- 
mon, lord  of  the  hosts,  the  shout  of  Odysseus  of  the  hardy 
heart  rings  round  me,  like  as  though  the  Trojans  were 
oppressing  him  alone  among  them,  and  had  cut  him  off  in 
the  strong  battle.  Nay,  let  us  speed  into  the  throng,  for 
better  it  is  to  rescue  him.  I fear  lest  he  suffer  some  evil, 
being  alone  among  the  Trojans,  so  brave  as  he  is,  and  lest 
great  sorrow  for  his  loss  come  upon  the  Danaans.” 

So  spake  he,  and  led  the  way,  and  the  other  followed 
him,  a godlike  man.  Then  found  they  Odysseus  dear  to 
Zeus,  and  the  Trojans  beset  him  like  tawny  jackals  from 
the  hills  round  a wounded  horned  stag,  that  a man  hath 
smitten  with  an  arrow  from  the  bow-string,  and  the  stag 
hath  fled  from  him  by  speed  of  foot,  as  long  as  the  blood 
is  warm  and  his  limbs  are  strong,  but  when  the  swift  arrow 
hath  overcome  him,  then  do  the  ravening  jackals  rend 
him  in  the  hills,  in  a dark  wood,  and  then  god  leadeth  a 
murderous  lion  thither,  and  the  jackals  flee  before  him,  but 
he  rendeth  them,  so  then,  round  wise -hearted  Odysseus 
of  the  crafty  counsels,  did  the  Trojans  gather,  many  and 
mighty,  but  that  hero  thrusting  on  with  the  spear  held  off 
the  pitiless  day.  Then  Aias  drew  near,  bearing  his  shield 
like  a tower,  and  stood  thereby,  and  the  Trojans  fled  from 
him,  where  each  man  might.  Then  warlike  Menelaos  led 
Odysseus  out  of  the  press,  holding  him  by  the  hand,  till 
the  squire  drave  up  the  horses. 


ILIAD  XI,  488-521 


218 

Then  Aias  leaped  on  the  Trojans,  and  slew  Doryklos, 
bastard  son  of  Priam,  and  thereafter  wounded  he  Pandokos, 
and  he  wounded  Lysandros,  and  Pyrasos,  and  Pylartes.  And 
as  when  a brimming  river  cometh  down  upon  the  plain,  in 
winter  flood  from  the  hills,  swollen  by  the  rain  of  Zeus,  and 
many  dry  oaks  and  many  pines  it  sucketh  in,  and  much  soil 
it  casteth  into  the  sea,  even  so  renowned  Aias  charged  them, 
pursuing  through  the  plain,  slaying  horses  and  men.  Nor 
wist  Hector  thereof  at  all,  for  he  was  fighting  on  the  left  of 
all  the  battle,  by  the  banks  of  the  river  Skamandros,  whereby 
chiefly  fell  the  heads  of  men,  and  an  unquenchable  cry 
arose,  around  great  Nestor  and  warlike  Idomeneus.  And 
Hector  with  them  was  warring,  and  terrible  things  did  he, 
with  the  spear  and  in  horsemanship,  and  he  ravaged  the 
battalions  of  the  young  men.  Nor  would  the  noble  Achaians 
have  yet  given  ground  from  the  path,  if  Alexandras,  the  lord 
of  fair-tressed  Helen,  had  not  stayed  Machaon  shepherd  of 
the  host  in  his  valorous  deeds,  and  smitten  him  on  the 
right  shoulder  with  a three-barbed  arrow.  Therefore  were  the 
Achaians,  breathing  valour,  in  great  fear,  lest  men  should 
seize  Machaon  in  the  turning  of  the  fight. 

Then  Idomeneus  spake  to  noble  Nestor  : “ O Nestor,  son 
of  Neleus,  great  glory  of  the  Achaians,  arise,  get  thee  up 
into  thy  chariot,  and  with  thee  let  Machaon  go,  and  swiftly 
drive  to  the  ships  the  whole-hooved  horses.  For  a leech 
is  worth  many  other  men,  to  cut  out  arrows,  and  spread 
soothing  medicaments.” 

So  spake  he,  nor  did  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  disobey 
him,  but  straightway  gat  up  into  his  chariot,  and  with  him 
went  Machaon,  son  of  Asklepios  the  good  leech,  and  he 
lashed  the  horses,  and  willingly  flew  they  forward  to  the 
hollow  ships,  where  they  desired  to  be. 

But  Kebriones,  the  charioteer  of  Hector,  beheld  the 


ILIAD  XI,  521-552 


2 xg 

Trojans  driven  in  flight,  and  spake  to  him,  and  said : 
“ Hector,  here  do  we  contend  with  the  Danaans,  at  the  limit 
of  the  wailful  war,  but,  lo,  the  other  Trojans  are  driven  in 
flight  confusedly,  men  and  horses.  And  Aias  son  of 
Telamon  is  driving  them ; well  I know  him,  for  wide  is  the 
shield  round  his  shoulders.  Nay,  let  us  too  urge  thither 
the  horses  and  chariot,  there  where  horsemen  and  footmen 
thickest  in  the  forefront  of  evil  strife  are  slaying  each  other, 
and  the  cry  goes  up  unquenchable.” 

So  spake  he,  and  smote  the  fair-maned  horses  with  the 
shrill  sounding  whip,  and  they  felt  the  lash,  and  fleetly  bore 
the  swift  chariot  among  the  Trojans  and  Achaians,  treading 
on  the  dead,  and  the  shields,  and  with  blood  was  sprinkled 
all  the  axle-tree  beneath,  and  the  rims  round  the  car  with 
the  drops  from  the  hooves  of  the  horses,  and  with  drops 
from  the  tires  about  the  wheels.  And  Hector  was  eager  to 
enter  the  press  of  men,  and  to  leap  in  and  break  through, 
and  evil  din  of  battle  he  brought  among  the  Danaans, 
and  brief  space  rested  he  from  smiting  with  the  spear. 
Nay,  but  he  ranged  among  the  ranks  of  other  men,  with 
spear,  and  sword,  and  with  great  stones,  but  he  avoided  the 
battle  of  Aias  son  of  Telamon,  [for  Zeus  would  have  been 
wroth  with  him,  if  he  fought  with  a better  man  than  him- 
self]. 

Now  father  Zeus,  throned  in  the  highest,  roused  dread 
in  Aias,  and  he  stood  in  amaze,  and  cast  behind  him  his 
sevenfold  shield  of  bull’s  hide,  and  gazed  round  in  fear  upon 
the  throng,  like  a wild  beast,  turning  this  way  and  that,  and 
slowly  retreating  step  by  step.  And  as  when  hounds  and 
country  folk  drive  a tawny  lion  from  the  mid-fold  of  the  kine, 
and  suffer  him  not  to  carry  away  the  fattest  of  the  herd ; all 
night  they  watch,  and  he  in  great  desire  for  the  flesh  maketh 
his  onset,  but  takes  nothing  thereby,  for  thick  the  darts  fly 


2 2 0 


ILIAD  XI,  552-583 


from  strong  hands  against  him,  and  the  burning  brands,  and 
these  he  dreads  for  all  his  fury,  and  in  the  dawn  he  departeth 
with  vexed  heart ; even  so  at  that  time  departed  Aias,  vexed 
at  heart,  from  among  the  Trojans,  right  unwillingly,  for  he 
feared  sore  for  the  ships  of  the  Achaians.  And  as  when  a 
lazy  ass  going  past  a field  hath  the  better  of  the  boys  with 
him,  an  ass  that  hath  had  many  a cudgel  broken  about  his 
sides,  and  he  fareth  into  the  deep  crop,  and  wasteth  it,  while 
the  boys  smite  him  with  cudgels,  and  feeble  is  the  force  ol 
them,  but  yet  with  might  and  main  they  drive  him  forth, 
when  he  hath  had  his  fill  of  fodder,  even  so  did  the  high- 
hearted Trojans  and  allies,  called  from  many  lands,  smite 
great  Aias,  son  of  Telamon,  with  darts  on  the  centre  of  his 
shield,  and  ever  followed  after  him.  And  Aias  would  now 
be  mindful  of  his  impetuous  valour,  and  turn  again,  and 
hold  at  bay  the  battalions  of  the  horse-taming  Trojans,  and 
once  more  he  would  turn  him  again  to  flee.  Yet  he 
hindered  them  all  from  making  their  way  to  the  fleet  ships, 
and  himself  stood  and  smote  between  the  Trojans  and 
the  Achaians,  and  the  spears  from  strong  hands  stuck 
some  of  them  in  his  great  shield,  fain  to  win  further, 
and  many  or  ever  they  reached  his  white  body  stood  fast 
halfway  in  the  earth,  right  eager  to  sate  themselves  with  his 
flesh. 

But  when  Eurypylos,  the  glorious  son  of  Euaimon,  beheld 
him  oppressed  by  showers  of  darts,  he  went  and  took  his 
stand  by  him,  and  cast  with  his  shining  spear,  and  smote 
Apisaon,  son  of  Phausios,  shepherd  of  the  host,  in  the  liver, 
below  the  midriff,  and  straightway  loosened  his  knees  ; and 
Eurypylos  sprang  on  him,  and  stripped  the  harness  from 
his  shoulders. 

But  when  godlike  Alexandras  beheld  him  stripping  the 
harness  from  Apisaon,  straightway  he  drew  his  bow  againsl 


ILIAD  XI,  583-613 


221 


Eurypylos,  and  smote  him  with  a shaft  on  the  right  thigh, 
and  the  reed  of  the  shaft  brake,  and  weighed  down  the 
thigh.  Then  Eurypylos  withdrew  back  into  the  host  of  his 
comrades,  avoiding  fate,  and  with  a piercing  voice  he  shouted 
to  the  Danaans  : “ O friends,  leaders  and  counsellors  of  the 
Argives,  turn  and  stand  and  ward  off  the  pitiless  day  from 
Aias,  that  is  oppressed  with  darts,  nor  methinks  will  he 
escape  out  of  the  evil  din  of  battle.  Nay,  stand  ye  the 
rather  at  bay  round  great  Aias,  son  of  Telamon.” 

So  spake  Eurypylos  being  wounded,  and  they  stood  close 
;ogether  beside  him,  sloping  the  shields  on  their  shoulders, 
md  holding  up  their  spears,  and  Aias  came  to  meet  them, 
md  turned  and  stood  when  he  reached  the  host  of  his 
comrades. 

So  they  fought  like  unto  burning  fire. 

But  the  mares  of  Neleus  all  sweating  bare  Nestor  out  of 
:he  battle,  and  also  carried  they  Machaon,  shepherd  of  the 
lost.  Then  the  noble  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  beheld  and 
eras  ware  of  him,  for  Achilles  was  standing  by  the  stern  of 
lis  great  ship,  watching  the  dire  toil,  and  the  woful  rout 
if  battle.  And  straightway  he  spake  to  his  own  comrade, 
Patroklos,  calling  to  him  from  beside  the  ship,  and  he  heard, 
ind  from  the  hut  he  came,  like  unto  Ares ; and  this  to  him 
vas  the  beginning  of  evil.  Then  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios 
spake  first  to  Achilles : “ Why  dost  thou  call  me,  Achilles, 
vhat  need  hast  thou  of  me?” 

Then  swift-footed  Achilles  answered  him  and  spake  : 
‘ Noble  son  of  Menoitios,  dear  to  my  heart,  now  methinks 
hat  the  Achaians  will  stand  in  prayer  about  my  knees,  for 
leed  no  longer  tolerable  cometh  upon  them.  But  go  now, 
3atroklos  dear  to  Zeus,  and  ask  Nestor  who  is  this  that  he 
)ringeth  wounded  from  the  war.  Verily  from  behind  he  is 
nost  like  Machaon,  that  child  of  Asklepios,  but  I beheld 


222 


ILIAD  XI,  614-645 


not  the  eyes  of  the  man,  for  the  horses  sped  past  me,  strain- 
ing forward  eagerly.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Patroklos  obeyed  his  dear  comrade, 
and  started  and  ran  past  the  ships,  and  the  huts  of  the 
Achaians. 

Now  when  they  came  to  the  hut  of  the  son  of  Neleus,  they 
lighted  down  on  the  bounteous  earth,  and  the  squire,  Eury 
medon,  loosed  the  horses  of  that  old  man  from  the  car,  and 
they  dried  the  sweat  from  their  doublets,  standing  before  the 
breeze,  by  the  shore  of  the  sea,  and  thereafter  came  they  to 
the  hut,  and  sat  them  down  on  chairs.  And  fair-tressed 
Hekamede  mixed  for  them  a mess,  Hekamede  that  the 
old  man  won  from  Tenedos,  when  Achilles  sacked  it,  and 
she  was  the  daughter  of  great-hearted  Arsinoos,  and  her  the 
Achaians  chose  out  for  him,  because  always  in  counsel  he 
excelled  them  all.  First  she  drew  before  them  a fair  table, 
polished  well,  with  feet  of  cyanus,  and  thereon  a vessel  of 
bronze,  with  onion,  for  relish  to  the  drink,  and  pale  honey, 
and  the  grain  of  sacred  barley,  and  beside  it  a right  goodly 
cup,  that  the  old  man  brought  from  home,  embossed  with 
studs  of  gold,  and  four  handles  there  were  to  it,  and  round 
each  two  golden  doves  were  feeding,  and  to  the  cup  were 
two  feet  below.  Another  man  could  scarce  have  lifted  the  cup 
from  the  table,  when  it  was  full,  but  Nestor  the  Old  raised 
it  easily.  In  this  cup  the  woman,  like  unto  the  goddesses, 
mixed  a mess  for  them,  with  Pramnian  wine,  and  therein 
grated  cheese  of  goats’  milk,  with  a grater  of  bronze,  and 
scattered  white  barley  thereover,  and  bade  them  drink, 
whenas  she  had  made  ready  the  mess. 

So  when  the  twain  had  drunk,  and  driven  away  parching 
thirst,  they  took  their  pleasure  in  discourse,  speaking  ead 
to  the  other.  Now  Patroklos  stood  at  the  doors,  a godlike 
man,  and  when  the  old  man  beheld  him,  he  arose  from  hi1 


ILIAD  XI,  646-675 


22T, 


shining  chair,  and  took  him  by  the  hand,  and  led  him  in, 
and  bade  him  be  seated.  But  Patroklos,  from  over  against 
him,  was  for  refusing,  and  spake  and  said : “No  time  to 
sit  have  I,  old  man,  fosterling  of  Zeus,  nor  wilt  thou  per- 
suade me.  Revered  and  dreaded  is  he  that  sent  me  forth 
to  ask  thee  who  this  man  is  that  thou  bringest  home 
wounded.  Nay,  but  I know  myself,  for  I see  Machaon, 
shepherd  of  the  host.  And  now  will  I go  back  again,  a 
messenger,  to  speak  a word  to  Achilles.  And  well  dost  thou 
know,  old  man,  fosterling  of  Zeus,  how  terrible  a man  he  is  ; 
lightly  would  he  blame  even  one  that  is  blameless.” 

Then  knightly  Nestor  of  Gerenia  answered  him  again  : 
. “ Wherefore  is  Achilles  thus  sorry  for  the  sons  of  the 
Achaians,  for  as  many  as  are  wounded  with  darts  ? He 
knoweth  not  at  all  what  grief  hath  arisen  in  the  camp  : for 
the  best  men  lie  in  the  ships,  wounded  by  shaft  or  smitten  by 
spear.  Wounded  with  the  shaft  is  strong  Diomedes,  son  of 
Tydeus,  and  smitten  is  Odysseus,  spearman  renowned,  and 
, Agamemnon,  [and  Eurypylos  hath  been  shot  with  an  arrow 
in  the  thigh],  and  this  other  have  I but  newly  carried  out  of 
.battle,  wounded  with  an  arrow  from  the  bowstring.  But 
Achilles,  for  all  his  valiance,  careth  not  for  the  Danaans, 
nor  pities  them  at  all.  Doth  he  wait  till  the  fleet  ships 
hard  by  the  shore  shall  burn,  maugre  the  Argives,  in  the 
consuming  fire,  and  till  we  be  slain  one  upon  another  ? For 
my  strength  is  no  longer  what  it  was  before  in  my  supple 
limbs.  Would  that  I were  in  such  youth,  and  my  might  as 
steadfast,  as  when  a strife  was  set  between  the  Eleians  and 
ourselves,  about  a raid  on  the  kine  ; what  time  I slew  Ity- 
moneus,  the  brave  son  of  Hypeirochos,  a dweller  in  Elis, 
when  I was  driving  the  spoil.  And  in  fighting  for  his  kine 
was  he  smitten  in  the  foremost  rank  by  a spear  from  my 
hand,  and  he  fell,  and  about  him  were  the  country  folk  in 


224 


ILIAD  XI,  676-709 


great  fear.  And  a prey  exceeding  abundant  did  we  drive 
together  out  of  the  plain,  fifty  herds  of  kine,  and  as  many 
flocks  of  sheep,  and  as  many  droves  of  swine,  and  as  many 
wide  flocks  of  goats,  and  chestnut  horses  a hundred  and 
fifty,  all  mares,  and  many  with  their  foals  at  their  feet.  And 
these  by  night  we  drave  within  Neleian  Pylos  to  the  citadel, 
and  Neleus  was  glad  at  heart,  for  that  so  much  wealth  came 
to  me,  the  first  time  I went  to  war.  And  the  heralds  cried 
aloud,  with  the  coming  of  the  dawn,  that  all  men  should 
meet  that  had  a debt  owing  to  them  in  goodly  Elis.  And 
the  men  that  were  leaders  of  the  Pylians  gathered  together 
and  divided  all,  for  to  many  did  the  Epeians  owe  a debt,  for 
few  we  were,  and  oppressed,  that  dwelt  in  Pylos.  For  the 
mighty  Herakles  had  come  and  oppressed  us,  in  the  former 
years,  and  all  our  best  men  were  slain.  For  twelve  sons  were 
we  of  noble  Neleus,  whereof  I alone  was  left,  and  all  the 
others  perished.  And  being  lifted  up  with  pride  because  of 
these  things,  the  mail-clad  Epeians  did  us  despite,  and  devised 
deeds  of  violence.  And  out  of  the  spoil  that  old  man,  even 
Neleus,  took  him  a herd  of  kine,  and  a great  flock  of  sheep, 
choosing  three  hundred,  and  the  shepherds  with  them.  For 
to  him  was  a great  debt  owing  in  goodly  Elis  : four  horses, 
winners  of  prizes,  with  their  chariot  had  gone  to  the  games,  . 
and  were  to  run  for  a tripod ; but  these  did  Augeias,  king  of 
men,  hold  in  bond  in  that  place,  but  sent  away  the  driver 
sorrowing  for  the  horses.  By  which  words  and  deeds  was  the 
old  man  angered,  so  he  chose  out  much  booty,  uncountable, 
and  the  rest  he  gave  to  the  people  to  divide,  lest  any  man 
should  depart  deprived  by  him  of  his  equal  share.  So  we 
ordered  each  thing,  and  offered  victims  to  the  gods  about 
the  city ; and  on  the  third  day  all  the  Eleians  came  to- 
gether, many  men  and  whole-hooved  horses  in  full  array,  and 
with  them  the  two  Moliones  in  their  harness,  being  still  but 


ILIAD  XI,  710-743 


225 


lads,  nor  yet  well  skilled  in  impetuous  valour.  Now 
there  is  a certain  city,  Thryoessa,  a steep  burg,  far  off  on 
Alpheios,  the  uttermost  city  of  sandy  Pylos,  round  this  they 
pitched  their  camp,  being  eager  to  raze  it  utterly.  But 
when  they  had  passed  through  all  the  plain,  to  us  came 
Athene  by  night  rushing  down  from  Olympus,  with  the 
message  that  we  should  arm  us.  Nor  were  the  folk  un- 
willing that  she  gathered  in  Pylos,  but  right  eager  for  war. 
Now  Neleus  would  not  suffer  me  to  arm  myself,  but  hid 
my  horses  away,  for  he  deemed  that  I knew  naught  as  yet 
of  the  deeds  of  war.  Yet  even  so  did  I shine  among  our 
horsemen,  on  foot  though  I was,  for  so  Athene  led  the 
fight.  There  is  a river  Minyeios,  that  falleth  into  the  sea 
near  Arene,  where  the  horsemen  of  us  Pylians  waited 
the  fair  dawn,  and  thither  those  ranks  of  footmen  flowed 
onward.  Thence  in  full  array,  and  harnessed  in  our  gear, 
we  came  at  midday  to  the  sacred  stream  of  Alpheios.  There 
to  Zeus  pre-eminent  in  might  we  sacrificed  goodly  victims, 
and  a bull  to  Alpheios,  and  a bull  to  Poseidon,  but  to  bright- 
eyed Athene  a heifer  of  the  herd,  and  thereafter  took  we 
supper  in  ranks  throughout  the  camp,  and  lay  down  to  sleep 
each  man  in  his  arms,  about  the  streams  of  the  river.  Now 
the  great-hearted  Epeians  were  gathered  round  the  citadel, 
being  eager  to  sack  it  utterly.  But  ere  that  might  be,  there 
appeared  unto  them  a great  deed  of  war.  For  when  the 
oright  sun  came  up  above  the  earth,  we  joined  battle,  with 
arayer  to  Zeus,  and  Athene.  But  when  the  strife  of  the 
Pylians  and  Epeians  began,  I was  the  first  that  slew  a man, 
ind  got  me  his  whole-hooved  steeds, — the  warrior  Mulios 
vas  he,  who  had  to  wife  fair-haired  Agamede,  the  eldest 
laughter  of  Augeias,  and  she  knew  all  drugs  that  the  wide 
:arth  nourisheth.  Him  as  he  came  on  I smote  with  a 
>ronze-shod  spear,  and  he  fell  in  the  dust  and  I leaped 
Q 


226 


ILIAD  XI,  743-77  5 


into  the  car,  and  stood  among  the  foremost  fighters. 
But  the  great-hearted  Epeians  fled  this  way  and  that  when 
they  saw  the  man  fall,  even  the  leader  of  the  horsemen, 
who  excelled  in  battle.  But  I sprang  upon  them,  like  a 
black  tempest,  and  fifty  chariots  I took,  and  beside  each 
chariot  two  men  bit  the  earth  with  their  teeth,  subdued 
beneath  my  spear.  And  now  should  I have  overthrown  the 
twin  Moliones,  sons  of  Aktor,  if  their  sire,  the  Earthshaker 
of  wide  sway,  had  not  saved  them  out  of  the  battle,  and 
covered  them  with  a thick  mist.1  There  Zeus  gave  great 
might  to  the  Pylians,  for  we  followed  through  the  wide 
plain,  slaying  the  foe  and  gathering  their  goodly  arms,  even 
till  we  brought  our  horses  to  Bouprasion,  rich  in  wheat,  and 
the  rock  Olenian,  and  where  is  the  hill  called  the  hill  of 
Alision,  whence  Athene  turned  the  people  again.  There 
slew  I the  last  man  and  left  him  there,  but  the  Achaians 
drave  back  their  swift  horses  from  Bouprasion  to  Pylos,  and 
all  gave  praise,  among  the  gods  to  Zeus,  and  among  men 
to  Nestor.  Such  was  I,  if  ever  among  men  I was  such  an 
one.  But  Achilles  is  for  reaping  alone  the  reward  of  hit 
valour ; surely  methinks  that  he  will  repent,  and  lament  sort 
when  the  host  perisheth.  O friend,  surely  Menoitios  thu; 
gave  thee  command,  on  that  day  when  he  sent  thee  out  o 
Phthia  to  Agamemnon.  And  we  twain  were  within  th< 
house,  I and  goodly  Odysseus,  and  in  the  halls  heard  we  al 
things  even  as  he  commanded  thee.  For  we  had  come  to  thi 
fair-set  halls  of  Peleus,  gathering  the  host  throughout  Achai; 
of  the  fair  dames.  There  then  we  found  the  hero  Menoitio 
within,  and  thee,  and  with  thee  Achilles.  And  Peleus  the  Old 
the  lord  of  horses,  was  burning  the  fat  thighs  of  kine  to  Zeus 
whose  joy  is  in  the  thunder,  in  the  precinct  of  his  couri 
and  held  in  his  hand  a chalice  of  gold,  pouring  forth  th 
1 Aktor  was  the  putative,  Poseidon  the  real  father  of  the  Moliones. 


ILIAD  XI,  776-806 


227 


bright  wine  upon  the  burning  offerings.  And  ye  were  busy 
about  the  flesh  of  the  ox,  and  then  stood  we  in  the  doorway, 
and  Achilles  leaped  up  in  amazement,  and  took  us  by  the 
hand,  and  led  us  in,  and  bade  us  be  seated,  and  set  before 
us  well  the  entertainment  of  strangers,  all  that  is  their  due. 
But  when  we  had  taken  delight  in  eating  and  drinking,  I be- 
gan the  discourse,  and  bade  you  follow  with  us,  and  ye  were 
right  eager,  and  those  twain  laid  on  you  many  commands 
Peleus  the  Old  bade  his  son  Achilles  be  ever  the  boldest 
in  fight,  and  pre-eminent  over  others,  but  to  thee  did 
Menoitios  thus  give  command,  the  son  of  Aktor  : ‘ My 
child,  of  lineage  is  Achilles  higher  than  thou,  and  thou 
art  elder,  but  in  might  he  is  better  far.  But  do  thou  speak 
to  him  well  a word  of  wisdom,  and  put  it  to  him  gently, 
and  show  him  what  things  he  should  do,  and  he  will  obey 
thee  to  his  profit.’  So  did  the  old  man  give  thee  command, 
but  thou  art  forgetful.  Nay,  but  even  now  speak  thou  thus 
and  thus  to  wise-hearted  Achilles,  if  perchance  he  will  obey 
thee.  Who  knows  but  that,  God  helping,  thou  mightst  stir  his 
spirit  with  thy  persuading  ? and  good  is  the  persuasion  of  a 
friend.  But  if  in  his  heart  he  be  shunning  some  oracle  of 
God,  and  his  lady  mother  hath  told  him  somewhat  from 
Zeus,  natheless  let  him  send  forth  thee,  and  let  the  rest  of  the 
host  of  the  Myrmidons  follow  with  thee,  if  perchance  any  light 
shall  arise  from  thee  to  the  Danaans  ; and  let  him  give  thee 
his  fair  harness,  to  bear  into  the  war,  if  perchance  the  Tro- 
jans may  take  thee  for  him,  and  withhold  them  from  the  strife, 
and  the  warlike  sons  of  the  Achaians  might  take  breath, 
being  wearied;  for  brief  is  the  breathing  time  in  battle.  And 
lightly  might  ye,  being  unwearied,  drive  men  wearied  in  the 
war  unto  the  city,  away  from  the  ships  and  the  huts.” 

So  spake  he,  and  roused  his  heart  within  his  breast,  and 
he  started  and  ran  by  the  ships  to  Achilles  of  the  seed  of 


228 


ILIAD  XI,  806-837 


Aiakos.  But  when  Patroklos  came  in  his  running  to  the 
ships  of  godlike  Odysseus,  where  was  their  assembly  and 
place  of  law,  and  whereby  also  were  their  altars  of  the 
gods  established,  there  did  Eurypylos  meet  him,  Euaimon’s 
son,  of  the  seed  of  Zeus,  wounded  in  the  thigh  with  an 
arrow,  and  limping  out  of  the  battle.  And  sweat  ran  down 
streaming  from  his  head  and  shoulders,  and  from  his  cruel 
wound  the  black  blood  was  welling,  but  his  mind  was  un- 
shaken. And  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios  had  pity  on  him 
when  he  beheld  him,  and  lamenting  he  spake  winged  words  : 
“ Ah,  wretched  men,  ye  leaders  and  counsellors  of  the 
Danaans.  How  are  ye  now  doomed,  far  from  your  friends 
and  your  own  country,  to  feed  full  with  your  white  fat  the 
swift  hounds  in  Troia  ! But  come,  tell  me  this,  Eurypylos, 
hero  and  fosterling  of  Zeus,  will  the  Achaians  yet  in  any 
wise  restrain  mighty  Hector,  or  will  they  perish  even  now, 
subdued  beneath  his  spear?” 

And  to  him  again  did  the  wounded  Eurypylos  make 
answer : “ No  more,  Patroklos  of  the  seed  of  Zeus,  will 
there  be  any  defence  of  the  Achaians,  but  they  will  fall 
among  the  black  ships.  For  verily  all  of  them,  that  afore 
were  bravest,  are  lying  in  the  ships  wounded  and  smitten  by 
the  hands  of  the  Trojans,  whose  strength  is  waxing  always. 
But  me  do  thou  succour,  and  lead  me  to  the  black  ship,  and 
cut  the  arrow  out  of  my  thigh,  and  wash  away  the  black 
blood  from  it  with  warm  water,  and  smear  soft  healing 
drugs  thereover,  these  good  herbs  whereof  they  say  that  thou 
hast  learned  from  Achilles,  whom  Cheiron  taught,  the  most 
righteous  of  the  Centaurs.  For  of  the  leeches,  Podaleirios 
and  Machaon,  one  methinks,  is  wounded  in  the  huts,  and 
himself  hath  need  of  a good  leech,  and  the  other  on  the 
plain  abideth  the  keen  battle  of  the  Trojans.” 

Then  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios  answered  him  again ; 


ILIAD  XI,  837-848 


229 


“ How  should  these  things  be  ? what  shall  we  do,  hero 
Eurypylos  ? I am  on  my  way  to  carry  a saying  to  wise- 
hearted  Achilles,  even  the  command  of  Nestor  of  Gerenia, 
warden  of  the  Achaians  ; nay,  but  not  even  so  will  I be 
heedless  of  thee  that  art  wounded.” 

So  spake  he,  and  clasped  the  shepherd  of  the  host  below 
the  breast,  and  led  him  to  the  hut ; and  the  squire  when  be 
beheld  them  cast  on  the  ground  the  skins  of  oxen.  There 
he  stretched  him  at  length,  and  cut  with  a knife  the  sharp 
arrow  from  his  thigh,  and  washed  from  it  the  black  blood 
with  warm  water.  And  thereon  he  cast  a bitter  root  rubbing 
it  between  his  hands,  a root  that  took  pain  away,  and  ended 
all  his  anguish,  and  the  wound  began  to  dry,  and  the  blood 
ceased. 


BOOK  XII. 


How  the  Trojans  and  allies  broke  within  the  wall  of  the  Achaians. 

So  in  the  huts  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios  was  tending 
the  wounded  Eurypylos,  but  still  they  fought  confusedly, 
the  Argives  and  Trojans.  Nor  were  the  fosse  of  the 
Danaans  and  their  wide  wall  above,  long  to  protect  them, 
the  wall  they  had  builded  for  defence  of  the  ships,  and 
the  fosse  they  had  drawn  round  about ; for  neither  had 
they  given  goodly  hecatombs  to  the  gods,  that  it  might 
guard  with  its  bounds  their  swift  ships,  and  rich  spoil. 
Nay,  maugre  the  deathless  gods  was  it  builded,  where- 
fore it  abode  steadfast  for  no  long  time.  While  Hector 
yet  lived,  and  yet  Achilles  kept  his  wrath,  and  unsacked 
was  the  city  of  Priam  the  king,  so  long  the  great  wall  of 
the  Achaians  likewise  abode  steadfast  But  when  all  the 
bravest  of  the  Trojans  died,  and  many  of  the  Argives, — 
some  were  taken,  and  some  were  left, — and  the  city  of 
Priam  was  sacked  in  the  tenth  year,  and  the  Argives  had 
gone  back  in  their  ships  to  their  own  dear  country,  then 
verily  did  Poseidon  and  Apollo  take  counsel  to  wash  away 
the  wall,  bringing  in  the  might  of  the  rivers,  of  all  that  flow 
from  the  hills  of  Ida  to  the  sea.  Rhesos  there  was,  and 
Heptaporos,  and  Karesos,  and  Rhodios,  Grenikos,  and 
Aisepos,  and  goodly  Skamandros,  and  Simoeis,  whereby 
many  shields  and  helms  fell  in  the  dust,  and  the  generation 


ILIAD  XII,  22-54 


231 


of  men  half  divine ; the  mouths  of  all  these  waters  did 
Phoebus  Apollo  turn  together,  and  for  nine  days  he  drave 
their  stream  against  the  wall;  and  still  Zeus  rained  unceas- 
ingly, that  the  quicker  he  might  mingle  the  wall  with 

the  salt  sea.  And  the  Shaker  of  the  earth,  with  his 
trident  in  his  hands,  was  himself  the  leader,  and  sent 

forth  into  the  waves  all  the  foundations  of  beams  and 

stones  that  the  Achaians  had  laid  with  toil,  and  made  all 
smooth  by  the  strong  current  of  Hellespont,  and  covered 
again  the  great  beach  with  sand,  when  he  had  swept 

away  the  wall,  and  turned  the  rivers  back  to  flow  in  their 
channel,  where  of  old  they  poured  down  their  fair  flow  of 
water. 

So  were  Poseidon  and  Apollo  to  do  in  the  aftertime; 
but  then  war  and  the  din  of  war  sounded  about  the  well- 
builded  wall,  and  the  beams  of  the  towers  rang  beneath 
the  strokes ; while  the  Argives,  subdued  by  the  scourge  of 
Zeus,  were  penned  and  driven  in  by  the  hollow  ships,  in 
dread  of  Hector,  the  mighty  maker  of  flight,  but  he,  as  afore- 
time, fought  like  a whirlwind.  And  as  when,  among  hounds 
and  hunting  men,  a boar  or  lion  wheeleth  him  about,  raging 
in  his  strength,  and  these  array  themselves  in  fashion  like  a 
tower,  and  stand  up  against  him,  casting  many  javelins  from 
their  hands  ; but  never  is  his  stout  heart  confused  nor  afraid, 
and  his  courage  is  his  bane,  and  often  he  wheeleth  him 
about,  and  maketh  trial  of  the  ranks  of  men,  and  where- 
soever he  maketh  onset  there  the  ranks  of  men  give  way, 
even  so  Hector  went  and  besought  his  comrades  through 
the  press,  and  spurred  them  on  to  cross  the  dyke.  But 
his  swift-footed  horses  dared  not,  but  loud  they  neighed, 
standing  by  the  sheer  edge,  for  the  wide  fosse  affrighted 
them,  neither  easy  to  leap  from  hard  by,  nor  to  cross,  for 
overhanging  banks  stood  round  about  it  all  on  either  hand. 


232 


ILIAD  XII.  54-87 


and  above  it  was  furnished  with  sharp  stakes  that  the  sons 
of  the  Achaians  had  planted  there,  thick  set  and  great,  a 
bulv/ark  against  hostile  men.  Thereby  not  lightly  might 
a horse  enter,  drawing  a well-wheeled  chariot ; but  the 
footmen  were  eager,  if  they  might  accomplish  it.  Then 
Polydamas  drew  near  valiant  Hector,  and  spake  to  him : 
“ Hector  and  ye  other  leaders  of  the  Trojans  and  allies, 
foolishly  do  we  drive  our  fleet  horses  through  the  dyke ; 
nay  right  hard  it  is  to  cross,  for  sharp  stakes  stand  in  it, 
and  over  against  them  the  wall  of  the  Achaians.  Thereby 
none  may  go  down  and  fight  in  chariots,  for  strait  is  the 
place  wherein,  methinks,  we  might  come  by  a mischief. 
For  if  Zeus  that  thunders  on  high  is  utterly  to  destroy 
them  in  his  evil  will,  and  is  minded  to  help  the  Trojans, 
verily  then  I too  would  desire  that  even  instantly  this  might 
be,  that  the  Achaians  should  perish  here  nameless  far  from 
Argos : but  and  if  they  turn  again,  and  we  flee  back  from 
among  the  ships,  and  rush  into  the  delved  ditch,  then  methinks 
that  not  even  one  from  among  us  to  bear  the  tidings  will 
win  back  to  the  city  before  the  force  of  the  Achaians  when 
they  rally.  But  come  as  I declare,  let  us  all  obey.  Let 
our  squires  hold  the  horses  by  the  dyke,  while  we  being  har- 
nessed in  our  gear  as  foot  soldiers  follow  all  together  with 
Hector,  and  the  Achaians  will  not  withstand  us,  if  indeed 
the  bands  of  death  be  made  fast  upon  them.” 

So  spake  Polydamas,  and  his  wise  word  pleased  Hector 
well,  and  straightway  in  his  harness  he  leaped  from  his 
chariot  to  the  ground.  Nor  were  the  other  Trojans  gathered 
upon  the  chariots,  but  they  all  leaped  forth,  when  they  beheld 
goodly  Hector.  There  each  gave  it  into  the  charge  of  his  own 
charioteer,  to  keep  the  horses  orderly  there  by  the  fosse.  And 
they  divided,  and  arrayed  themselves,  and  ordered  in  five 
companies  they  followed  with  the  leaders. 


ILIAD  XII,  87-120 


233 


Now  they  that  went  with  Hector  and  noble  Polydamas, 
these  were  most,  and  bravest,  and  most  were  eager  to  break 
the  wall,  and  fight  by  the  hollow  ships ; and  with  them 
followed  Kebriones  for  the  third,  for  Hector  had  left  another 
man  with  his  chariot,  a weaker  warrior  than  Kebriones. 
The  second  company  Paris  led,  and  Alkathoos,  and  Agenor: 
and  the  third  company  Helenos  led,  and  godlike  Deiphobos, 
— two  sons  of  Priam, — the  third  was  the  warrior  Asios, 
Asios  Hyrtakos’  son,  whom  his  tall  sorrel  steeds  brought 
out  of  Arisbe,  from  the  river  Selleeis.  And  of  the  fourth 
company  was  the  brave  son  of  Anchises  leader,  even  Aineias; 
and  with  him  were  two  sons  of  Antenor,  Archelochos  and 
Akarnas,  both  well  skilled  in  all  warfare. 

And  Sarpedon  led  the  glorious  allies,  and  to  be  with  him 
he  chose  Glaukos  and  warlike  Asteropaios,  for  they  seemed 
to  him  to  be  manifestly  the  bravest  of  all  after  himself,  but 
he  was  excellent,  yea,  above  all  the  host.  And  these  when 
they  had  arrayed  one  another  with  well -fashioned  shields 
of  bulls’  hide,  went  straight  and  eager  against  the  Danaans, 
nor  deemed  that  they  could  longer  resist  them,  but  that 
themselves  should  fall  on  the  black  ships. 

Then  the  rest  of  the  Trojans  and  the  far-famed  allies 
obeyed  the  counsel  of  blameless  Polydamas,  but  Asios,  son 
of  Hyrtakos,  leader  of  men,  willed  not  to  leave  his  horses 
there,  and  his  squire  the  charioteer,  but  with  them  he  drew 
near  the  swift  ships,  fond  man ! for  never  was  he,  avoiding  evil 
Fates,  to  return,  rejoicing  in  his  horses  and  chariot,  back  from 
the  ships  to  windy  Ilios.  Nay,  ere  that  the  Fate  of  ill  name 
overshadowed  him,  by  the  spear  of  Idomeneus,  the  haughty 
son  of  Deukalion.  For  Asios  went  against  the  left  flank 
of  the  ships,  whereby  the  Achaians  returned  out  of  the 
plain  with  chariots  and  horses  : there  he  drave  through  his 
horses  and  his  car,  nor  found  he  the  doors  shut  on  the 


234 


ILIAD  XII,  121-155 


gales,  and  the  long  bar,  but  men  were  holding  them  open  if 
perchance  they  might  save  any  of  their  comrades  fleeing 
out  of  the  battle  towards  the  ships.  Straight  thereby  held 
he  his  horses  with  unswerving  aim,  and  his  men  followed 
him,  crying  shrilly,  for  they  deemed  that  the  Achaians  could 
no  longer  hold  them  off,  but  that  themselves  would  fall  on 
the  black  ships:  fools,  for  in  the  gates  they  found  two  men 
of  the  bravest,  the  high-hearted  sons  of  the  warrior  Lapi- 
thae,  one  the  son  of  Peirithoos,  strong  Polypoites,  and  one 
Leonteus,  peer  of  Ares  the  bane  of  men.  These  twain 
stood  in  front  of  the  lofty  gates,  like  high-crested  oak  trees 
in  the  hills,  that  for  ever  abide  the  wind  and  rain,  firm  fixed 
with  roots  great  and  long ; even  so  these  twain,  trusting  to  the 
mightiness  of  their  hands,  abode  the  coming  of  great  Asios, 
and  fled  not.  But  straight  came  the  Trojans  against  the 
well-builded  wall,  holding  their  shields  of  dry  bulls’  hide 
on  high,  with  mighty  clamour,  round  the  prince  Asios, 
and  lamenos,  and  Orestes,  and  Adamas,  son  of  Asios,  and 
Thoon,  and  Oinomaos.  But  the  other  twain  for  a while, 
being  within  the  wall,  urged  the  weli-greaved  Achaians 
to  fight  for  the  ships ; but  when  they  saw  the  Trojans 
assailing  the  wall,  while  the  Danaans  cried  and  turned  in 
flight,  then  forth  rushed  the  twain,  and  fought  in  front  of 
the  gates  like  wild  boars  that  in  the  mountains  abide  the 
assailing  crew  of  men  and  dogs,  and  charging  on  either 
flank  they  crush  the  wood  around  them,  cutting  it  at  the 
root,  and  the  clatter  of  their  tusks  waxes  loud,  till  one  smite 
them  and  take  their  life  away:  so  clattered  the  bright  bronze 
on  the  breasts  of  the  twain,  as  they  were  smitten  in  close 
fight,  for  right  hardily  they  fought,  trusting  to  the  host  above 
them,  and  to  their  own  strength. 

For  the  rnen  above  were  casting  with  stones  from  the 
well-builded  towers  in  defence  of  themselves  and  of  the 


ILIAD  XII,  156-189 


235 


huts,  and  of  the  swift-faring  ships.  And  like  snowflakes  the 
stones  fell  earthward,  flakes  that  a tempestuous  wind,  as  it 
driveth  the  dark  clouds,  rains  thickly  down  on  the  bounteous 
earth  : so  thick  fell  the  missiles  from  the  hands  of  Achaians 
and  Trojans  alike,  and  their  helms  rang  harsh  and  then- 
bossy  shields,  being  smitten  with  mighty  stones.  Verily  then 
Asios,  son  of  Hyrtakos,  groaned  and  smote  both  his  thighs, 
and  indignantly  he  spake  : “ Father  Zeus,  verily  thou  too 
dost  greatly  love  a lie,*  for  I deemed  not  that  the  Achaian 
heroes  could  withstand  our  might  and  our  hands  invincible. 
But  they  like  wasps  of  nimble  body,  or  bees  that  have  made 
their  dwellings  in  a rugged  path,  and  leave  not  their  hollow 
hold,  but  abide  and  keep  the  hunters  at  bay  for  the  sake  of 
their  little  ones,  even  so  these  men  have  no  will  to  give 
ground  from  the  gates,  though  they  are  but  two,  ere  they 
slay  or  be  slain.” 

So  spake  he,  nor  with  his  speech  did  he  persuade  the 
mind  of  Zeus,  for  his  will  was  to  give  renown  to  Hector. 

[But  the  others  were  fighting  about  the  other  gates,  and 
hard  it  were  for  me  like  a god  to  tell  all  these  things,  for 
everywhere  around  the  wall  of  stone  rose  the  fire  divine  ; the 
Argives,  for  all  their  sorrow,  defending  the  ships  of  necessity; 
and  all  the  gods  were  grieved  at  heart,  as  many  as  were 
defenders  of  the  Danaans  in  battle.  And  together  the  Lapi- 
thae  waged  war  and  strife.] 

There  the  son  of  Peirithoos,  mighty  Polypoites,  smote 
Damasos  with  the  spear,  through  the  helmet  with  cheek- 
pieces  of  bronze  ; nor  did  the  bronze  helm  stay  the  spear,  but 
the  point  of  bronze  brake  clean  through  the  bone,  and  all 
the  brain  within  was  scattered,  and  the  spear  overcame  him 
in  his  eagerness.  Thereafter  he  slew  Pylon  and  Ormenos. 
And  Leonteus  of  the  stock  of  Ares  smote  Hippomachos,  sort 
of  Antimachos,  with  the  spear,  striking  him  on  the  girdle. 


236 


ILIAD  XII,  1 90-2 2i 


Then  again  he  drew  his  sharp  sword  from  the  sheath,  and 
smote  Antiphates  first  in  close  fight,  rushing  on  him  through 
the  throng,  that  he  fell  on  his  back  on  the  ground;  and 
thereafter  he  brought  down  Menon,  and  Iamenos,  and 
Orestes  one  after  the  other,  to  the  bounteous  earth. 

While  they  were  stripping  from  these  the  shining  arms, 
the  young  men  who  followed  with  Polydamas  and  Hector, 
they  that  were  most  in  number  and  bravest,  and  most  were 
eager  to  break  the  wall  and  set  the  ships  on  fire,  these 
still  stood  doubtful  by  the  fosse,  for  as  they  were  eager 
to  pass  over  a bird  had  appeared  to  them,  an  eagle 
of  lofty  flight,  skirting  the  host  on  the  left  hand.  In 
its  talons  it  bore  a blood-red  monstrous  snake,  alive,  and 
struggling  still;  yea,  not  yet  had  it  forgotten  the  joy  of 
battle,  but  writhed  backward  and  smote  the  bird  that  held 
it  on  the  breast,  beside  the  neck,  and  the  bird  cast  it  from 
him  down  to  the  earth,  in  sore  pain,  and  dropped  it  in  the 
midst  of  the  throng ; then  with  a cry  sped  away  down  the 
gusts  of  the  wind.  And  the  Trojans  shuddered  when  they 
saw  the  gleaming  snake  lying  in  the  midst  of  them ; an 
omen  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus. 

Then  verily  Polydamas  stood  by  brave  Hector,  and  spake : 
“ Elector,  ever  dost  thou  rebuke  me  in  the  assemblies,  though 
I counsel  wisely ; since  it  by  no  means  beseemeth  one  of 
the  people  to  speak  contrary  to  thee,  in  council  or  in  war, 
but  always  to  increase  thy  power ; but  now  again  will  I say 
all  that  seemeth  to  me  to  be  best.  Let  us  not  advance  and 
fight  with  the  Danaans  for  the  ships.  For  even  thus,  me- 
thinks,  the  end  will  be,  if  indeed  this  bird  hath  come  for  the 
Trojans  when  they  were  eager  to  cross  the  dyke,  this  eagle 
of  lofty  flight,  skirting  the  host  on  the  left  hand,  bearing 
in  his  talons  a blood-red  monstrous  snake,  yet  living  ; then 
straightway  left  he  hold  of  him,  before  he  reached  his  own 


ILIAD  XII,  221-255 


237 


nest,  nor  brought  him  home  in  the  end  to  give  to  his  nest- 
lings. Even  so  shall  we,  though  we  burst  with  mighty  force 
the  gates  and  wall  of  the  Achaians,  and  the  Achaians  give 
ground,  even  so  we  shall  return  in  disarray  from  the  ships  by 
the  way  we  came ; for  many  of  the  Trojans  shall  we  leave 
behind,  whom  the  Achaians  will  slay  with  the  sword,  in 
defence  of  the  ships.  Even  so  would  a soothsayer  interpret 
that  in  his  heart  had  clear  knowledge  of  omens,  and  whom 
the  people  obeyed.” 

Then  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  lowered  on  him  and 
said : “ Polydamas,  that  thou  speakest  is  no  longer  pleasing 
to  me ; yea,  thou  knowest  how  to  conceive  another  counsel 
better  than  this.  But  if  thou  verily  speakest  thus  in  earnest, 
then  the  gods  themselves  have  utterly  destroyed  thy  wits ; 
thou  that  bidst  us  forget  the  counsels  of  loud-thundering 
Zeus,  that  himself  promised  me,  and  confirmed  with  a nod  of 
his  head ! But  thou  bidst  us  be  obedient  to  birds  long  of 
wing,  whereto  I give  no  heed,  nor  take  any  care  thereof 
whether  they  fare  to  the  right,  to  the  dawn  and  to  the  sun, 
or  to  the  left,  to  mist  and  darkness.  Nay,  for  us,  let  us  trust 
to  the  counsel  of  mighty  Zeus,  who  is  king  over  all  mortals 
and  immortals.  One  omen  is  best,  to  fight  for  our  own 
country.  And  wherefore  dost  thou  fear  war  and  battle  ? 
For  if  all  the  rest  of  us  be  slain  by  the  ships  of  the  Argives, 
yet  needst  thou  not  fear  to  perish,  for  thy  heart  is  not  war- 
like, nor  enduring  in  battle.  But  if  thou  dost  hold  aloof 
from  the  fight,  or  winnest  any  other  with  thy  words  to  turn 
him  from  war,  straightway  by  my  spear  shalt  thou  be  smitten, 
and  lose  thy  life.” 

So  spake  he,  and  led  on,  and  they  followed  with  a won- 
drous din  ; and  Zeus  that  joyeth  in  the  thunder  roused  from 
the  hills  of  Ida  a blast  of  wind,  which  bare  the  dust  straight 
against  the  ships ; and  he  made  weak  the  heart  of  the 


ILIAD  XII,  255-285 


238 

Achaians,  but  gave  renown  to  the  Trojans  and  to  Hector, 
Trusting  then  in  his  omens,  and  their  might,  they  strove  to 
break  the  great  wall  of  the  Achaians.  They  dragged  down 
the  machicolations  of  the  towers,  and  overthrew  the  battle- 
ments, and  heaved  up  the  projecting  buttresses,  that  the 
Achaians  set  first  in  the  earth,  to  be  the  props  of  the  towers. 
These  they  overthrew,  and  hoped  to  break  the  wall  of  the 
Achaians.  Nor  even  now  did  the  Danaans  give  ground 
from  the  path,  but  closed  up  the  battlements  with  shields  of 
bulls’  hides,  and  cast  from  them  at  the  foemen  as  they  went 
below  the  walls. 

Now  the  two  Aiantes  went  everywhere  on  the  towers,  ever 
urging,  and  arousing  the  courage  of  the  Achaians.  One 
they  would  accost  with  honeyed  words,  another  with  hard 
words  they  would  rebuke,  whomsoever  they  saw  utterly  giving 
ground  from  the  fight : “ O friends,  whosoever  is  eminent, 
or  whosoever  is  of  middle  station  among  the  Argives,  ay, 
or  lower  yet,  for  in  no  wise  are  all  men  equal  in  war,  now  is 
there  work  for  all,  and  this  yourselves  well  know.  Let  none 
turn  back  to  the  ships,  for  that  he  hath  heard  one  threaten- 
ing aloud ; nay,  get  ye  forward,  and  cheer  another  on,  if 
perchance  Olympian  Zeus,  the  lord  of  lightning,  will  grant 
us  to  drive  back  the  assault,  and  push  the  foe  to  the  city.” 

So  these  twain  shouted  in  the  front,  and  aroused  the 

/battle  of  the  Achaians.  But  as  flakes  of  snow  fall  thick  on 
a winter  day,  when  Zeus  the  Counsellor  hath  begun  to  snow, 
showing  forth  these  arrows  of  his  to  men,  and  he  hath  lulled 
the  winds,  and  he  snoweth  continually,  till  he  hath  covered 
the  crests  of  the  high  hills,  and  the  uttermost  headlands,  and 
the  grassy  plains,  and  rich  tillage  of  men ; and  the  snow  is 
scattered  over  the  havens  and  shores  of  the  grey  sea,  and  only 
the  wave  as  it  rolleth  in  keeps  off  the  snow,  but  all  other 
things  are  swathed  over,  when  the  shower  of  Zeus  coroetb 


ILIAD  XII,  285-320 


239 


heavily,  so  from  both  sides  their  stones  flew  thick,  some 
towards  the  Trojans,  and  some  from  the  Trojans  against  the 
Acbaians,  while  both  sides  were  smitten,  and  over  all  the 
wall  the  din  arose. 

Yet  never  would  the  Trojans,  then,  and  renowned 
Hector  have  broken  the  gates  of  the  wall,  and  the  long  bar, 
if  Zeus  the  Counsellor  had  not  roused  his  son  Sarpedon 
against  the  Argives,  like  a lion  against  the  kine  of  crooked 
horn.  Straightway  he  held  forth  his  fair  round  shield, 
of  hammered  bronze,  that  the  bronze  - smith  had  ham- 
mered out,  and  within  had  stitched  many  bulls’  hides  with 
rivets  of  gold,  all  round  the  circle,  this  held  he  forth,  and 
shook  two  spears  ; and  sped  on  his  way,  like  a mountain- 
nurtured  lion,  that  long  lacketh  meat,  and  his  brave  spirit 
urgeth  him  to  make  assail  on  the  sheep,  and  come  even 
against  a well-builded  homestead.  Nay,  even  if  he  find 
herdsmen  thereby,  guarding  the  sheep  with  hounds  and  spears, 
yet  hath  he  no  mind  to  be  driven  without  an  effort  from 
the  steading,  but  he  either  leapeth  on  a sheep,  and  seizeth  it, 
or  himself  is  smitten  in  the  foremost  place  with  a dart  from 
a strong  hand.  So  did  his  heart  then  urge  on  the  godlike 
Sarpedon  to  rush  against  the  wall,  and  break  through  the 
battlements.  And  instantly  he  spake  to  Glaukos,  son  of 
Hippolochos : “ Glaukos,  wherefore  have  we  twain  the 
chiefest  honour, — seats  of  honour,  and  messes,  and  full 
cups  in  Lykia,  and  all  men  look  on  us  as  gods  ? And 
wherefore  hold  we  a great  demesne  by  the  banks  of 
Xanthos,  a fair  demesne  of  orchard-land,  and  wheat-bearing 
tilth  ? Therefore  now  it  behoveth  us  to  take  our  stand  in 
the  first  rank  of  the  Lykians,  and  encounter  fiery  battle,  that 
certain  of  the  well-corsleted  Lykians  may  say,  ‘Verily  our 
kings  that  rule  Lykia  be  no  inglorious  men,  they  that  eat  fat 
sheep,  and  drink  the  choice  wine  honey -sweet : nay,  but  they 


240 


ILIAD  XII,  320-353 


are  also  of  excellent  might,  for  they  war  in  the  foremost  rank* 
of  the  Lykians.  Ah,  friend,  if  once  escaped  from  this  battle 
we  were  for  ever  to  be  ageless  and  immortal,  neither  would 
I fight  myself  in  the  foremost  ranks,  nor  would  I send  thee 
into  the  war  that  giveth  men  renown,  but  now — for  assuredly 
ten  thousand  fates  of  death  do  every  way  beset  us,  and  these 
no  mortal  may  escape  nor  avoid — now  let  us  go  forward, 
whether  we  shall  give  glory  to  other  men,  or  others  to  us.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Glaukos  turned  not  apart,  nor  disobeyed 
him,  and  they  twain  went  straight  forward,  leading  the  great 
host  of  the  Lykians. 

Then  Menestheus  son  of  Peteos  shuddered  when  he 
beheld  them,  for  against  his  tower  they  went,  bringing 
with  them  ruin ; and  he  looked  along  the  tower  of  the 
Achaians  if  perchance  he  might  see  any  of  the  leaders,  that 
would  ward  off  destruction  from  his  comrades,  and  he  be- 
held the  two  Aiantes,  insatiate  of  war,  standing  there,  and 
Teukros  hard  by,  newly  come  from  his  hut ; but  he  could  not 
cry  to  be  heard  of  them,  so  great  was  the  din,  and  the  noise 
went  up  unto  heaven  of  smitten  shields  and  helms  with 
horse -hair  crests,  and  of  the  gates,  for  they  had  all  been 
shut,  and  the  Trojans  stood  beside  them,  and  strove  by  force 
to  break  them,  and  enter  in.  Swiftly  then  to  Aias  he  sent 
the  herald  Thootes : “ Go,  noble  Thootes,  and  run,  and  call 
Aias : or  rather  the  twain,  for  that  will  be  far  the  best  of 
all,  since  quickly  here  will  there  be  wrought  utter  ruin.  For 
hereby  press  the  leaders  of  the  Lykians,  who  of  old  are 
fierce  in  strong  battle.  But  if  beside  them  too  war  and  toil 
arise,  yet  at  least  let  the  strong  Telamonian  Aias  come  alone, 
and  let  Teukros  the  skilled  bowman  follow  with  him.” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  herald  listened  and  disobeyed 
him  not,  but  started  and  ran  by  the  wall  of  the  mail-clad 
Achaians,  and  came,  and  stood  by  the  Aiantes,  and  straight 


ILIAD  XII,  353-386 


24 1 


way  spake  : “Ye  twain  Aiantes,  leaders  of  the  mail-clad 
Achaians,  the  dear  son  of  Peteos,  fosterling  of  Zeus,  biddeth 
you  go  thither,  that,  if  it  be  but  for  a little  while,  ye  may 
take  your  part  in  battle : both  of  you  he  more  desireth,  for 
that  will  be  far  the  best  of  all,  since  quickly  there  will  there 
be  wrought  utter  ruin.  For  thereby  press  the  leaders  of 
the  Lykians,  who  of  old  are  fierce  in  strong  battle.  But  if 
beside  you  too  war  and  toil  arise,  yet  at  least  let  the  strong 
Telamonian  Aias  come  alone,  and  let  Teukros  the  skilled 
bowman  follow  with  him.” 

So  spake  he,  nor  did  the  strong  Telamonian  Aias  dis- 
obey, but  instantly  spake  winged  words  to  the  son  of  Oileus  : 
“Aias,  do  ye  twain  stand  here,  thyself  and  strong  Lyko- 
medes,  and  urge  the  Danaans  to  war  with  all  their  might ; 
but  I go  thither,  to  take  my  part  in  battle,  and  quickly  will 
I come  again,  when  I have  well  aided  them.” 

So  spake  Telamonian  Aias  and  departed,  and  Teukros 
went  with  him,  his  brother  by  the  same  father,  and  with 
them  Pandion  bare  the  bended  bow  of  Teukros. 

Now  when  they  came  to  the  tower  of  great-hearted  Menes- 
theus,  passing  within  the  wall, — and  to  men  sore  pressed  they 
came, — the  foe  were  climbing  upon  the  battlements,  like  a 
dark  whirlwind,  even  the  strong  leaders  and  counsellors 
of  the  Lykians ; and  they  hurled  together  into  the  war  and 
the  battle-cry  arose.  Now  first  did  Aias  Telamon’s  son  slay 
a man,  Epikles  great  of  heart,  the  comrade  of  Sarpedon. 
With  a jagged  stone  he  smote  him,  a great  stone  that  lay 
uppermost  within  the  wall,  by  the  battlements.  Not  lightly 
:ould  a man  hold  it  in  both  hands,  however  strong  in  his 
routh,  of  such  mortals  as  now  are,  but  Aias  lifted  it,  and 
last  it  from  above,  and  shattered  the  helm  of  fourfold  crest, 
ind  all  to-brake  the  bones  of  the  head,  and  he  fell  like  a 
liver  from  the  lofty  tower,  and  his  life  left  his  bones.  And 

R 


242 


ILIAD  XII,  386-418 


Teukros  smote  Glaukos,  the  strong  son  of  Hippolochos,  as 
he  came  on,  with  an  arrow  from  the  lofty  wall ; even  where 
he  saw  his  shoulder  bare  he  smote  him,  and  made  him  cease 
from  delight  in  battle.  Back  from  the  wall  he  leapt  secretly, 
lest  any  of  the  Achaians  should  see  him  smitten,  and  speak 
boastfully.  But  sorrow  came  on  Sarpedon  when  Glaukos 
departed,  so  soon  as  he  was  aware  thereof,  but  he  forgot  not 
the  joy  of  battle.  He  aimed  at  Alkmaon,  son  of  Thestor, 
with  the  spear,  and  smote  him,  and  drew  out  the  spear. 
And  Alkmaon  following  the  spear  fell  prone,  and  his  bronze- 
dight  arms  rang  round  him.  Then  Sarpedon  seized  with 
strong  hands  the  battlement,  and  dragged,  and  it  all  gave 
way  together,  while  above  the  wall  was  stripped  bare,  and 
made  a path  for  many. 

Then  Aias  and  Teukros  did  encounter  him : Teukros 
smote  him  with  an  arrow,  on  the  bright  baldric  of  his  cover- 
ing shield,  about  the  breast,  but  Zeus  warded  off  the  Fates 
from  his  son,  that  he  should  not  be  overcome  beside  the 
ships’  sterns.  Then  Aias  leaped  on  and  smote  his  shield,  nor 
did  the  spear  pass  clean  through,  yet  shook  he  Sarpedon  in 
his  eagerness.  He  gave  ground  a little  way  from  the  battle- 
ment, yet  retreated  not  wholly,  since  his  heart  hoped  to 
win  renown.  Then  he  turned  and  cried  to  the  godlike 
Lykians  : “ O Lykians,  wherefore  thus  are  ye  slack  in  im- 
petuous valour.  Hard  it  is  for  me,  stalwart  as  I am,  alone 
to  break  through,  and  make  a path  to  the  ships,  nay,  follow 
hard  after  me,  for  the  more  men,  the  better  work.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they,  dreading  the  rebuke  of  theii 
king,  pressed  on  the  harder  around  the  counsellor  and  king. 
And  the  Argives  on  the  other  side  made  strong  their  bat 
talions  within  the  wall,  and  mighty  toil  began  for  them. 
For  neither  could  the  strong  Lykians  burst  through  the  wall 
of  the  Dan&ans,  and  make  a way  to  the  ships,  nor  could 


ILIAD  XII,  418-450 


243 


the  warlike  Danaans  drive  back  the  Lykians  from  the  wall 
when  once  they  had  drawn  near  thereto.  But  as  two  men 
contend  about  the  marches  of  their  land,  with  measuring 
rods  in  their  hands,  in  a common  field,  when  in  narrow 
space  they  strive  for  equal  shares,  even  so  the  battlements 
divided  them,  and  over  those  they  smote  the  round  shields 
of  ox  hide  about  the  breasts  of  either  side,  and  the  flutter- 
ing bucklers.  And  many  were  wounded  in  the  flesh  with 
the  ruthless  bronze,  whensoever  the  back  of  any  of  the 
warriors  was  laid  bare  as  he  turned,  ay,  and  many  clean 
through  the  very  shield.  Yea,  everywhere  the  towers  and 
battlements  swam  with  the  blood  of  men  shed  on  either  side, 
by  Trojans  and  Achaians.  But  even  so  they  could  not  put 
the  Argives  to  rout,  but  they  held  their  ground,  as  an  honest 
woman  that  laboureth  with  her  hands  holds  the  balance, 
and  raises  the  weight  and  the  wool  together,  balancing  them, 
that  she  may  win  scant  wages  for  her  children  ; so  evenly  was 
strained  their  war  and  battle,  till  the  moment  when  Zeus 
gave  the  greater  renown  to  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  who  was 
the  first  to  leap  within  the  wall  of  the  Achaians.  In  a 
piercing  voice  he  cried  aloud  to  the  Trojans : “ Rise,  ye 
horse-taming  Trojans,  break  the  wall  of  the  Argives,  and 
cast  among  the  ships  fierce  blazing  fire.” 

So  spake  he,  spurring  them  on,  and  they  all  heard  him 
with  their  ears,  and  in  one  mass  rushed  straight  against  the 
wall,  and  with  sharp  spears  in  their  hands  climbed  upon 
the  machicolations  of  the  towers.  And  Hector  seized  and 
carried  a stone  that  lay  in  front  of  the  gates,  thick  in  the 
hinder  part,  but  sharp  at  point : a stone  that  not  the  two 
best  men  of  the  people,  such  as  mortals  now  are,  could 
lightly  lift  from  the  ground  on  to  a wain,  but  easily  he 
wielded  it  alone,  for  the  son  of  crooked-counselling  Kronor, 
made  it  light  for  him.  And  as  when  a shepherd  lightly 


244 


ILIAD  XII,  450-471 


beareth  the  fleece  of  a ram,  taking  it  in  one  hand,  and 
little  doth  it  burden  him,  so  Hector  lifted  the  stone,  and 
bare  it  straight  against  the  doors  that  closely  guarded  the 
stubborn-set  portals,  double  gates  and  tall,  and  two  cross 
bars  held  them  within,  and  one  bolt  fastened  them.  And 
he  came,  and  stood  hard  by,  and  firmly  planted  himself,  and 
smote  them  in  the  midst,  setting  his  legs  well  apart,  that  his 
cast  might  lack  no  strength.  And  he  brake  both  the  hinges, 
and  the  stone  fell  within  by  reason  of  its  weight,  and  the 
gates  rang  loud  around,  and  the  bars  held  not,  and  the 
doors  burst  this  way  and  that  beneath  the  rush  of  the  stone. 
Then  glorious  Hector  leaped  in,  with  face  like  the  sudden 
night,  shining  in  wondrous  mail  that  was  clad  about  his  body, 
and  with  two  spears  in  his  hands.  No  man  that  met  him 
could  have  held  him  back  when  once  he  leaped  within  the 
gates : none  but  the  gods,  and  his  eyes  shone  with  fire. 
Turning  towards  the  throng  he  cried  to  the  Trojans  to  over- 
leap the  wall,  and  they  obeyed  his  summons,  and  speedily 
some  overleaped  the  wall,  and  some  poured  into  the  fair- 
wrought  gateways,  and  the  Danaans  fled  in  fear  among  the 
hollow  ships,  and  a ceaseless  clamour  arose. 


BOOK  XIII. 


Poseidon  stirreth  up  the  Achaians  to  defend  the  ships. 

• The  valour  of  Idomeneus. 

Now  Zeus,  after  that  he  had  brought  the  Trojans  and 
Hector  to  the  ships,  left  them  to  their  toil  and  endless  labour 
there,  but  otherwhere  again  he  turned  his  shining  eyes,  and 
looked  upon  the  land  of  the  Thracian  horsebreeders,  and  the 
Mysians,  fierce  fighters  hand  to  hand,  and  the  proud  Hip- 
pemolgoi  that  drink  mare’s  milk,  and  the  Abioi,  the  most 
righteous  of  men.  To  Troy  no  more  at  all  he  turned  his 
shining  eyes,  for  he  deemed  in  his  heart  that  not  one  of 
the  Immortals  would  draw  near,  to  help  either  Trojans  or 
Danaans. 

But  the  mighty  Earthshaker  held  no  blind  watch,  who 
sat  and  marvelled  on  the  war  and  strife,  high  on  the  topmost 
crest  of  wooded  Samothrace,  for  thence  all  Ida  was  plain 
to  see ; and  plain  to  see  were  the  city  of  Priam,  and  the 
ships  of  the  Achaians.  Thither  did  he  go  from  the  sea 
and  sate  him  down,  and  he  had  pity  on  the  Achaians,  that 
they  were  subdued  to  the  Trojans,  and  strong  was  his  anger 
against  Zeus. 

Then  forthwith  he  went  down  from  the  rugged  hill,  faring 
with  swift  steps,  and  the  high  hills  trembled,  and  the  woodland, 
beneath  the  immortal  footsteps  of  Poseidon  as  he  moved. 
Three  strides  he  made,  and  with  the  fourth  he  reached  his 


246 


ILIAD  XIII,  20-49 


goal,  even  Aigae,  and  there  was  his  famous  palace  in  the 
deeps  of  the  mere,  his  glistering  golden  mansions  builded, 
imperishable  for  ever.  Thither  went  he,  and  let  harness  to 
the  car  his  bronze-hooved  horses,  swift  of  flight,  clothed  with 
their  golden  manes.  He  girt  his  own  golden  array  about  his 
body,  and  seized  the  well-wrought  lash  of  gold,  and  mounted 
his  chariot,  and  forth  he  drove  across  the  waves.  And  the 
sea  beasts  frolicked  beneath  him,  on  all  sides  out  of  the 
deeps,  for  well  they  knew  their  lord,  and  with  gladness  the 
sea  stood  asunder,  and  swiftly  they  sped,  and  the  axle  of 
bronze  was  not  wetted  beneath,  and  the  bounding  steeds 
bare  him  on  to  the  ships  of  the  Achaians. 

Now  there  is  a spacious  cave  in  the  depths  of  the  deep 
mere,  between  Tenedos  and  rugged  Imbros;  there  did  Po- 
seidon, the  Shaker  of  the  earth,  stay  his  horses,  and  loosed 
them  out  of  the  chariot,  and  cast  before  them  ambrosial 
food  to  graze  withal,  and  golden  tethers  he  bound  about 
their  hooves,  tethers  neither  to  be  broken  nor  loosed,  that 
there  the  horses  might  continually  await  their  lord’s  return 
And  he  went  to  the  host  of  the  Achaians. 

Now  the  Trojans  like  flame  or  storm-wind  were  following 
in  close  array,  with  fierce  intent,  after  Hector,  son  of  Priam. 
With  shouts  and  cries  they  came,  and  thought  to  take 
the  ships  of  the  Achaians,  and  to  slay  thereby  all  the  bravest 
of  the  host.  But  Poseidon,  that  girdleth  the  world,  the 
Shaker  of  the  earth,  was  urging  on  the  Argives,  and  forth  he 
came  from  the  deep  salt  sea,  in  form  and  untiring  voice  like 
unto  Kalchas.  First  he  spake  to  the  two  Aiantes,  that  them- 
selves were  eager  for  battle:  “Ye  Aiantes  twain,  ye  shall 
save  the  people  of  the  Achaians,  if  ye  are  mindful  of  your 
might,  and  reckless  of  chill  fear.  For  verily  I do  not  other- 
where dread  the  invincible  hands  of  the  Trojans,  that  have 
climbed  the  great  wall  in  their  multitude,  nay,  the  well 


ILIAD  XIII,  49-80 


247 


greaved  Achaians  will  hold  them  all  at  bay ; but  hereby 
verily  do  I greatly  dread  lest  some  evil  befall  us,  even 
here  where  that  furious  one  is  leading  like  a flame  of  fire, 
Hector,  who  boasts  him  to  be  son  of  mighty  Zeus.  Nay, 
but  here  may  some  god  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  you  twain, 
to  stand  sturdily  yourselves,  and  urge  others  to  do  the  like ; 
thereby  might  ye  drive  him  from  the  fleet -faring  ships, 
despite  his  eagerness,  yea,  even  if  the  Olympian  himself  is 
rousing  him  to  war.” 

Therewith  the  Shaker  of  the  world,  the  girdler  of  the 
earth,  struck  the  twain  with  his  staff,  and  filled  them  with 
strong  courage,  and  their  limbs  he  made  light,  and  their 
feet,  and  their  hands  withal.  Then,  even  as  a swift-winged 
hawk  speeds  forth  to  fly,  poised  high  above  a tall  sheer  rock, 
and  swoops  to  chase  some  other  bird  across  the  plain,  even 
so  Poseidon  sped  from  them,  the  Shaker  of  the  world.  And 
of  the  twain  Oileus’  son,  the  swift-footed  Aias,  was  the  first 
to  know  the  god,  and  instantly  he  spake  to  Aias,  son  of 
Telamon:  “Aias,  since  it  is  one  of  the  gods  who  hold 
Olympus,  that  in  the  semblance  of  a seer  commands  us 
now  to  fight  beside  the  ships — not  Kalchas  is  he,  the 
prophet  and  soothsayer,  for  easily  I knew  the  tokens  of  his 
feet  and  knees  as  he  turned  away,  and  the  gods  are  easy  to 
discern — lo,  then  mine  own  heart  within  my  breast  is  more 
eagerly  set  on  war  and  battle,  and  my  feet  beneath  and  my 
rands  above  are  lusting  for  the  fight." 

Then  Aias,  son  of  Telamon,  answered  him  saying : 
‘ Even  so,  too,  my  hands  invincible  now  rage  about 
he  spear -shaft,  and  wrath  has  risen  within  me,  and 
>oth  my  feet  are  swift  beneath  me ; yea,  I am  keen  to 
neet,  even  in  single  fight,  the  ceaseless  rage  of  Hector  son 
if  Priam.” 

So  they  spake  to  each  other,  rejoicing  in  the  delight 


248 


ILIAD  XIII,  81-113 


of  battle,  which  the  god  put  in  their  heart.  Then  the 
girdler  of  the  earth  stirred  up  the  Achaians  that  were  in  the 
rear  and  were  renewing  their  strength  beside  the  swift  ships. 
Their  limbs  were  loosened  by  their  grievous  toil,  yea,  and 
their  souls  filled  with  sorrow  at  the  sight  of  the  Trojans,  that 
had  climbed  over  the  great  wall  in  their  multitude.  And 
they  looked  on  them,  and  shed  tears  beneath  their  brows, 
thinking  that  never  would  they  escape  destruction.  But 
the  Shaker  of  the  earth  right  easily  came  among  them,  and 
urged  on  the  strong  battalions  of  warriors.  Teukros  first  he 
came  and  summoned,  and  Lei'tos,  and  the  hero  Peneleos, 
and  Thoas,  and  Delpyros,  and  Meriones,  and  Antilochos,  lords 
of  the  war-cry,  all  these  he  spurred  on  with  winged  words : 
“ Shame  on  you,  Argives,  shame,  ye  striplings,  in  your 
battle  had  I trusted  for  the  salvation  of  our  ships.  But  if 
you  are  to  withdraw  from  grievous  war,  now  indeed  the  day 
doth  shine  that  shall  see  us  conquered  by  the  Trojans.  Out 
on  it,  for  verily  a great  marvel  is  this  that  mine  eyes  behold, 
a terrible  thing  that  methought  should  never  come  to  pass, 
the  Trojans  advancing  against  our  ships  ! Of  yore  they 
were  like  fleeting  hinds,  that  in  the  wild  wood  are  the  prey 
of  jackals,  and  pards,  and  wolves,  and  wander  helpless, 
strengthless,  empty  of  the  joy  of  battle.  Even  so  the  Trojans 
of  old  cared  never  to  wait  and  face  the  wrath  and  the  hands 
of  the  Achaians,  not  for  a moment.  But  now  they  are 
fighting  far  from  the  town,  by  the  hollow  ships,  all  through 
the  baseness  of  our  leader  and  the  remissness  of  the  people, 
who,  being  at  strife  with  the  chief,  have  no  heart  to  defend 
the  swift-faring  ships,  nay,  thereby  they  are  slain.  But 
if  indeed  and  in  truth  the  hero  Agamemnon,  the  wide- 
ruling  son  of  Atreus,  is  the  very  cause  of  all,  for  that  he  did 
dishonour  the  swift-footed  son  of  Peleus,  not  even  so  may 
we  refrain  in  any  wise  from  war.  Nay,  let  us  right  our  fault 


ILIAD  XIII,  1 14-144 


249 


with  speed,  for  easily  righted  are  the  hearts  of  the  brave. 
No  longer  do  ye  well  to  refrain  from  impetuous  might,  all 
ye  that  are  the  best  men  of  the  host.  I myself  would  not 
quarrel  with  one  that,  being  a weakling,  abstained  from  war, 
but  with  you  I am  heartily  wroth.  Ah,  friends,  soon  shall 
ye  make  the  mischief  more  through  this  remissness, — but 
let  each  man  conceive  shame  in  his  heart,  and  indignation, 
for  verily  great  is  the  strife  that  hath  arisen.  Lo,  the  mighty 
Hector  of  the  loud  war-cry  is  fighting  at  the  ships,  and  the 
gates  and  the  long  bar  he  hath  burst  in  sunder.” 

On  this  wise  did  the  Earth-enfolder  call  to  and  spur  on 
the  Achaians.  And  straightway  they  made  a stand  around 
the  two  Aiantes,  strong  bands  that  Ares  himself  could  not 
enter  and  make  light  of,  nor  Athene  that  marshals  the  host. 
Yea,  they  were  the  chosen  best  that  abode  the  Trojans  and 
goodly  Hector,  and  spear  on  spear  made  close-set  fence, 
and  shield  on  serried  shield,  buckler  pressed  on  buckler, 
and  helm  on  helm,  and  man  on  man.  The  horse-hair  crests 
on  the  bright  helmet -ridges  touched  each  other  as  they 
nodded,  so  close  they  stood  each  by  other,  and  spears 
brandished  in  bold  hands  were  interlaced ; and  their  hearts 
were  steadfast  and  lusted  for  battle. 

Then  the  Trojans  drave  forward  in  close  array,  and 
Hector  led  them,  pressing  straight  onwards,  like  a rolling 
rock  from  a cliff,  that  the  winter-swollen  water  thrusteth 
from  the  crest  of  a hill,  having  broken  the  foundations  of 
the  stubborn  rock  with  its  wondrous  flood  ; leaping  aloft 
it  flies,  and  the  wood  echoes  under  it,  and  unstayed  it  runs 
its  course,  till  it  reaches  the  level  plain,  and  then  it  rolls 
no  more  for  all  its  eagerness, — even  so  Hector  for  a while 
threatened  lightly  to  win  to  the  sea  through  the  huts  and 
the  ships  of  the  Achaians,  slaying  as  he  came,  but  when  he 
encountered  the  serried  battalions,  he  was  stayed  when  he 


250 


ILIAD  XIII,  1 45-1 7 5 


drew  near  against  them.  But  they  of  the  other  part,  the 
sons  of  the  Achaians,  thrust  with  their  swords  and  double- 
pointed  spears,  and  drave  him  forth  from  them,  that  he  gave 
ground  and  reeled  backward.  Then  he  cried  with  a pierc- 
ing voice,  calling  on  the  Trojans:  “Trojans,  and  Lykians, 
and  close-fighting  Dardanians,  hold  your  ground,  for  the 
Achaians  will  not  long  ward  me  off,  nay,  though  they  have 
arrayed  themselves  in  fashion  like  a tower.  Rather,  me- 
thinks,  they  will  flee  back  before  the  spear,  if  verily  the 
chief  of  gods  has  set  me  on,  the  loud-thundering  lord  of 
Hera.” 

Therewith  he  spurred  on  the  heart  and  spirit  of  each 
man ; and  Dei'phobos,  the  son  of  Priam,  strode  among  them 
with  high  thoughts,  and  held  in  front  of  him  the  circle  of 
his  shield,  and  lightly  he  stepped  with  his  feet,  advancing 
beneath  the  cover  of  his  shield.  Then  Meriones  aimed  at 
him  with  a shining  spear,  and  struck,  and  missed  not,  but 
smote  the  circle  of  the  bulls’-hide  shield,  yet  no  whit  did  he 
pierce  it ; nay,  well  ere  that  might  be,  the  long  spear-shaft 
snapped  in  the  socket.  Now  Deiphobos  was  holding  off  from 
him  the  bulls’-hide  shield,  and  his  heart  feared  the  lance  of 
wise  Meriones,  but  that  hero  shrunk  back  among  the  throng 
of  his  comrades,  greatly  in  wrath  both  for  the  loss  of  victory, 
and  of  his  spear,  that  he  had  shivered.  So  he  set  forth  to 
go  to  the  huts  and  the  ships  of  the  Achaians,  to  bring  a 
long  spear,  that  he  had  left  in  his  hut 

Meanwhile  the  others  were  fighting  on,  and  there  arose  an 
inextinguishable  cry.  First  Teukros,  son  of  Telamon,  slew 
a man,  the  spearman  Imbrios,  the  son  of  Mentor  rich  in 
horses.  In  Pedaion  he  dwelt,  before  the  coming  of  the  sons 
of  the  Achaians,  and  he  had  for  wife  a daughter  of  Priam, 
bom  out  of  wedlock,  Medesikaste  ; but  when  the  curved 
ships  of  the  Danaans  came,  he  returned  again  to  Ilios,  and 


ILIAD  XIII,  176-205 


251 


was  pre-eminent  among  the  Trojans,  and  dwelt  with  Priam, 
who  honoured  him  like  his  own  children.  Him  the  son 
of  Telamon  pierced  below  the  ear  with  his  long  lance,  and 
plucked  back  the  spear.  Then  he  fell  like  an  ash  that  on 
the  crest  of  a far-seen  hill  is  smitten  with  the  axe  of  bronze, 
and  brings  its  delicate  foliage  to  the  ground;  even  so  he 
fell,  and  round  him  rang  his  armour  bedight  with  bronze. 
Then  Teukros  rushed  forth,  most  eager  to  strip  his  armour, 
and  Hector  cast  at  him  as  he  came  with  his  shining  spear. 
But  Teukros,  steadily  regarding  him,  avoided  by  a little  the 
spear  of  bronze;  so  Hector  struck  Amphimachos,  son  of 
Kteatos,  son  of  Aktor,  in  the  breast  with  the  spear,  as  he 
was  returning  to  the  battle.  With  a crash  he  fell,  and  his 
armour  rang  upon  him. 

Then  Hector  sped  forth  to  tear  from  the  head  of  great- 
hearted Amphimachos  the  helmet  closely  fitted  to  his  tem- 
ples, but  Aias  aimed  at  Hector  as  he  came,  with  a shining 
spear,  yet  in  no  wise  touched  his  body,  for  he  was  all 
clad  in  dread  armour  of  bronze ; but  he  smote  the  boss 
of  his  shield,  and  drave  him  back  by  main  force,  and  he 
gave  place  from  behind  the  two  dead  men,  and  the  Achai- 
ins  drew  them  out  of  the  battle.  So  Stichios  and  goodly 
Menestheus,  leaders  of  the  Athenians,  conveyed  Amphi- 
machos back  among  the  host  of  the  Achaians,  but  Imbrios 
:he  two  Aiantes  carried,  with  hearts  full  of  impetuous 
might.  And  as  when  two  lions  have  snatched  away  a goat 
from  sharp-toothed  hounds,  and  carry  it  through  the  deep 
hicket,  holding  the  body  on  high  above  the  ground  in 
heir  jaws,  so  the  two  warrior  Aiantes  held  Imbrios  aloft 
ind  spoiled  his  arms.  Then  the  son  of  Oileus  cut  his  head 
rom  his  delicate  neck,  in  wrath  for  the  sake  of  Amphi- 
nachos,  and  sent  it  rolling  like  a ball  through  the  throng, 
nd  it  dropped  in  the  dust  before  the  feet  of  Hector. 


252 


ILIAD  XIII,  206-236 


Then  verily  was  Poseidon  wroth  at  heart,  when  ma 
son’s  son  fell  in  the  terrible  fray.1  So  he  set  forth  to  go 
by  the  huts  and  the  ships  of  the  Achaians,  to  spur  on  the 
Danaans,  and  sorrows  he  was  contriving  for  the  Trojans. 
Then  Idomeneus,  spearman  renowned,  met  him  on  his  way 
from  his  comrade  that  had  but  newly  returned  to  him  out 
of  the  battle,  wounded  on  the  knee  with  the  sharp  bronze. 
Him  his  comrades  carried  forth,  and  Idomeneus  gave 
charge  to  the  leeches,  and  so  went  on  to  his  hut,  for  he  still 
was  eager  to  face  the  war.  Then  the  mighty  Shaker  of  the 
earth  addressed  him,  in  the  voice  of  Thoas,  son  of  Andrai- 
mon,  that  ruled  over  the  Aitolians  in  all  Pleuron,  and 
mountainous  Kalydon,  and  was  honoured  like  a god  by  the 
people  : “ Idomeneus,  thou  counsellor  of  the  Cretans,  say, 
whither  have  thy  threats  fared,  wherewith  the  sons  of  the 
Achaians  threatened  the  Trojans?” 

Then  Idomeneus,  leader  of  the  Cretans,  answered  him 
again  : “ O Thoas,  now  is  there  no  man  to  blame,  that  I wot 
of,  for  we  all  are  skilled  in  war.  Neither  is  there  any  man 
that  spiritless  fear  holds  aloof,  nor  any  that  gives  place  to 
cowardice,  and  shuns  the  cruel  war,  nay,  but  even  thus, 
methinks,  must  it  have  seemed  good  to  almighty  Kronion, 
even  that  the  Achaians  should  perish  nameless  here,  far 
away  from  Argos.  But  Thoas,  seeing  that  of  old  thou  wert 
staunch,  and  dost  spur  on  some  other  man,  wheresoever  thou 
mayst  see  any  give  ground,  therefore  slacken  not  now,  but 
call  aloud  to  every  warrior.” 

Then  Poseidon,  the  Shaker  of  the  earth,  answered  him 
again  : “ Idomeneus,  never  may  that  man  go  forth  out  of 
Troy-land,  but  here  may  he  be  the  sport  of  dogs,  who  this 
day  wilfully  is  slack  in  battle.  Nay,  come,  take  thy  weapons 
and  away  : herein  we  must  play  the  man  together,  if  any 
1 Kteatos,  father  of  Amphimachos.  was  Poseidon’s  son  : see  p.  226. 


ILIAD  XIII,  236-268 


253 


avail  there  may  be,  though  we  are  no  more  than  two.  Ay, 
and  very  cowards  get  courage  from  company,  but  we  twain 
know  well  how  to  battle  even  with  the  brave.” 

Therewith  the  god  went  back  again  into  the  strife  of 
men,  but  Idomeneus,  so  soon  as  he  came  to  his  well-builded 
hut,  did  on  his  fair  armour  about  his  body,  and  grasped  two 
spears,  and  set  forth  like  the  lightning  that  Kronion  seizes 
in  his  hand  and  brandishes  from  radiant  Olympus,  showing 
forth  a sign  to  mortal  men,  and  far  seen  are  the  flames  thereof. 
Even  so  shone  the  bronze  about  the  breast  of  Idomeneus  as 
he  ran,  and  Meriones,  his  good  squire,  met  him,  while  he 
was  still  near  his  hut, — he  was  going  to  bring  his  spear  of 
bronze, — and  mighty  Idomeneus  spake  to  him  : “ Meriones 
son  of  Molos,  fleet  of  foot,  dearest  of  my  company,  where- 
fore hast  thou  come  hither  and  left  the  war  and  strife  ? Art 
thou  wounded  at  all,  and  vexed  by  a dart’s  point,  or  dost 
thou  come  with  a message  for  me  concerning  aught  ? Verily 
I myself  have  no  desire  to  sit  in  the  huts,  but  to  fight.” 

Then  wise  Meriones  answered  him  again,  saying  : “[Ido 
meneus,  thou  counsellor  of  the  mail-clad  Cretans,]  I have 
come  to  fetch  a spear,  if  perchance  thou  hast  one  left  in 
the  huts,  for  that  which  before  I carried  I have  shivered  in 
casting  at  the  shield  of  proud  Deiphobos.” 

Then  Idomeneus,  leader  of  the  Cretans,  answered  him 
again : “ Spears,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  shalt  find,  one,  ay,  and 
twenty,  standing  in  the  hut,  against  the  shining  side  walls, 
spears  of  the  Trojans  whereof  I have  spoiled  their  slain. 
Ifea,  it  is  not  my  mood  to  stand  and  fight  with  foemen  from 
ifar,  wherefore  1 have  spears,  and  bossy  shields,  and  helms, 
ind  corslets  of  splendid  sheen.” 

Then  wise  Meriones  answered  him  again : “Yea,  and  in 
nine  own  hut  and  my  black  ship  are  many  spoils  of  the 
Trojans,  but  not  ready  to  my  hand.  Nay,  for  methinks  that 


254 


ILIAD  XIII,  269-299 


neither  am  I forgetful  of  valour ; but  stand  forth  among 
the  foremost  to  face  the  glorious  war,  whensoever  ariseth 
the  strife  of  battle.  Any  other,  methinks,  of  the  mail-clad 
Achaians  should  sooner  forget  my  prowess,  but  thou  art  he 
that  knoweth  it” 

Then  Idomeneus,  leader  of  the  Cretans,  answered  him 
again : “ I know  what  a man  of  valour  thou  art,  wherefore 
shouldst  thou  tell  me  thereof?  Nay,  if  now  beside  the 
ships  all  the  best  of  us  were  being  chosen  for  an  ambush 
— wherein  the  valour  of  men  is  best  discerned ; there  the 
coward,  and  the  brave  man  most  plainly  declare  them- 
selves : for  the  colour  of  the  coward  changes  often,  and 
his  spirit  cannot  abide  firm  within  him,  but  now  he  kneels 
on  one  knee,  now  on  the  other,  and  rests  on  either  foot,  and 
his  heart  beats  noisily  in  his  breast,  as  he  thinks  of  doom, 
and  his  teeth  chatter  loudly.  But  the  colour  of  the  brave 
man  does  not  change,  nor  is  he  greatly  afraid,  from  the 
moment  that  he”  enters  the  ambush  of  heroes,  but  his  prayer 
is  to  mingle  instantly  in  woful  war.  Were  we  being  chosen 
for  such  ambush,  I say,  not  even  then  would  any  man  reckon 
lightly  of  thy  courage  and  thy  strength.  Nay,  and  even  if  thou 
wert  stricken  in  battle  from  afar,  or  smitten  in  close  fight,  the 
dart  would  not  strike  thee  in  the  hinder  part  of  the  neck, 
nor  in  the  back,  but  would  encounter  thy  breast  or  belly,  as 
thou  dost  press  on,  towards  the  gathering  of  the  foremost 
fighters.  But  come,  no  more  let  us  talk  thus,  like  children, 
loitering  here,  lest  any  man  be  vehemently  wroth,  but  go  thou 
to  the  hut,  and  bring  the  strong  spear.” 

Thus  he  spake,  and  Meriones,  the  peer  of  swift  Ares, 
quickly  bare  the  spear  of  bronze  from  the  hut,  and  went 
after  Idomeneus,  with  high  thoughts  of  battle.  And  even 
as  Ares,  the  bane  of  men,  goes  forth  into  the  war,  and  with 
him  follows  his  dear  son  Panic,  stark  and  fearless,  that 


ILIAD  XIII,  300-329 


255 


errifies  even  the  hardy  warrior ; and  these  twain  leave 
Thrace,  and  harness  them  for  fight  with  the  Ephyri,  or  the 
peat-hearted  Phlegyans,  yet  hearken  not  to  both  peoples, 
Dut  give  honour  to  one  only;  like  these  gods  did  Meriones 
md  Idomeneus,  leaders  of  men,  set  forth  into  the  fight, 
lamessed  in  gleaming  bronze.  And  Meriones  spake  first 
o Idomeneus  saying : “ Child  of  Deukalion,  whither  art 
hou  eager  to  enter  into  the  throng : on  the  right  of  all 
he  host,  or  in  the  centre,  or  on  the  left?  Ay,  and  no 
)ther  where,  methinks,  are  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  so 
ike  to  fail  in  fight.” 

Then  Idomeneus,  the  leader  of  the  Cretans,  answered 
aim  again  : “In  the  centre  of  the  ships  there  are  others  to 
aear  the  brunt,  the  two  Aiantes,  and  Teukros,  the  best 
jowman  of  the  Achaians,  ay,  and  a good  man  in  close 
ight ; these  will  give  Hector  Priam’s  son  toil  enough,  how- 
ioever  keen  he  be  for  battle ; yea,  though  he  be  exceeding 
italwart.  Hard  will  he  find  it,  with  all  his  lust  for  war,  to 
overcome  their  strength  and  their  hands  invincible,  and  to 
ire  the  ships,  unless  Kronion  himself  send  down  on  the 
iwift  ships  a burning  brand.  But  not  to  a man  would  he 
field,  the  great  Telamonian  Aias,  to  a man  that  is  mortal 
md  eateth  Demeter’s  grain,  and  may  be  cloven  with  the 
iword  of  bronze,  and  with  hurling  of  great  stones.  Nay, 
not  even  to  Achilles  the  breaker  of  the  ranks  of  men  would 
le  give  way,  not  in  close  fight;  but  for  speed  of  foot  none 
nay  in  any  wise  strive  with  Achilles.  But  guide  us  twain, 
is  thou  sayest,  to  the  left  hand  of  the  host,  that  speedily  we 
nay  learn  whether  we  are  to  win  glory  from  others,  or  other 
nen  from  us.” 

So  he  spake,  and  Meriones,  the  peer  of  swift  Ares,  led 
he  way,  till  they  came  to  the  host,  in  that  place  whither  he 
>ade  him  go. 


256 


ILIAD  XIII,  330-360 


And  when  the  Trojans  saw  Idomeneus,  strong  as  flame, 
and  his  squire  with  him,  and  their  glorious  armour,  they  ail 
shouted  and  made  for  him  through  the  press.  Then  their 
mellay  began,  by  the  sterns  of  the  ships.  And  as  the  gusts 
speed  on,  when  shrill  winds  blow,  on  a day  when  dust  lies 
thickest  on  the  roads,  and  the  winds  raise  together  a great 
cloud  of  dust,  even  so  their  battle  clashed  together,  and  all 
were  fain  of  heart  to  slay  each  other  in  the  press  with  the 
keen  bronze.  And  the  battle,  the  bane  of  men,  bristled 
with  the  long  spears,  the  piercing  spears  they  grasped,  and 
the  glitter  of  bronze  from  gleaming  helmets  dazzled  the 
eyes,  and  the  sheen  of  new-burnished  corslets,  and  shining 
shields,  as  the  men  thronged  all  together.  Right  hardy  of 
heart  would  he  have  been  that  joyed  and  sorrowed  not  at 
the  sight  of  this  labour  of  battle. 

Thus  the  two  mighty  sons  of  Kronos,  with  contending 
will,  were  contriving  sorrow  and  anguish  for  the  heroes. 
Zeus  desired  victory  for  the  Trojans  and  Hector,  giving 
glory  to  swift  - footed  Achilles ; yet  he  did  not  wish  the 
Achaian  host  to  perish  utterly  before  Ilios,  but  only  to  give 
renown  to  Thetis  and  her  strong-hearted  son.  But  Poseidon 
went  among  the  Argives  and  stirred  them  to  war,  stealing 
secretly  forth  from  the  grey  salt  sea : for  he  was  sore  vexed 
that  they  were  overcome  by  the  Trojans,  and  was  greatly  in 
wrath  against  Zeus.  Verily  both  were  of  the  same  lineage 
and  the  same  place  of  birth,  but  Zeus  was  the  elder  and 
the  wiser.  Therefore  also  Poseidon  avoided  to  give  open  aid, 
but  secretly  ever  he  spurred  them  on,  throughout  the  host,  in 
the  likeness  of  a man.  These  twain  had  strained  the  ends  of 
the  cords  of  strong  strife  and  equal  war,  and  had  stretched 
them  over  both  Trojans  and  Achaians,  a knot  that  none 
might  break  nor  undo,  for  the  loosening  of  the  knees  of 
many. 


ILIAD  XIII,  361-389 


257 


Even  then  Idomeneus,  though  his  hair  was  flecked 
with  grey,  called  on  the  Danaans,  and  leaping  among  the 
Trojans,  roused  their  terror.  For  he  slew  Othryoneus  of 
Kabesos,  a sojourner  there,  who  but  lately  had  followed 
after  the  rumour  of  war,  and  asked  in  marriage  the  fairest 
of  the  daughters  of  Priam,  Kassandra,  without  gifts  of 
wooing,  but  with  promise  of  a mighty  deed,  namely  that  he 
would  drive  perforce  out  of  Troy-land  the  sons  of  the 
Achaians.  To  him  the  old  man  Priam  promised  and 
appointed  that  he  would  give  her,  so  he  fought  trusting  in 
his  promises.  And  Idomeneus  aimed  at  him  with  a bright 
spear,  and  cast  and  smote  him  as  he  came  proudly  striding 
on,  and  the  corslet  of  bronze  that  he  wore  availed  not,  but 
the  lance  stuck  in  the  midst  of  his  belly.  And  he  fell  with 
a crash,  and  Idomeneus  boasted  over  him,  and  lifted  up 
his  voice,  saying : “ Othryoneus,  verily  I praise  thee  above 
all  mortal  men,  if  indeed  thou  shalt  accomplish  all  that 
thou  hast  promised  to  Priam,  son  of  Dardanos,  that  pro- 
mised thee  again  his  own  daughter.  Yea,  and  we  likewise 
would  promise  as  much  to  thee,  and  fulfil  it,  and  would  give 
thee  the  fairest  daughter  of  the  son  of  Atreus,  and  bring  her 
from  Argos,  and  wed  her  to  thee,  if  only  thou  wilt  aid  us  to 
take  the  fair-set  citadel  of  Ilios.  Nay,  follow  us  that  we 
may  make  a covenant  of  marriage  by  the  seafaring  ships, 
for  we  are  no  hard  exacters  of  gifts  of  wooing.” 

Therewith  the  hero  Idomeneus  dragged  him  by  the  foot 
across  the  fierce  mellay.  But  Asios  came  to  his  aid, 
on  foot  before  his  horses  that  the  charioteer  guided  so 
that  still  their  breath  touched  the  shoulders  of  Asios.  And 
the  desire  of  his  heart  was  to  cast  at  Idomeneus,  who  was 
beforehand  with  him,  and  smote  him  with  the  spear  in  the 
throat,  below  the  chin,  and  drove  the  point  straight  through. 
And  he  fell  as  an  oak  falls,  or  a poplar,  or  tall  pine  tree, 
s 


258 


ILIAD  XIII,  390-421 


that  craftsmen  have  felled  on  the  hills  with  new  whetted 
axes,  to  be  a ship’s  timber,  even  so  he  lay  stretched  out 
before  the  horses  and  the  chariot,  groaning,  and  clutching 
the  bloody  dust.  And  the  charioteer  was  amazed,  and  kept 
not  his  wits,  as  of  old,  and  dared  not  turn  his  horses  and 
avoid  out  of  the  hands  of  foemen ; and  Antilochos  the  stead- 
fast in  war  smote  him,  and  pierced  the  middle  of  his  body 
with  a spear.  Nothing  availed  the  corslet  of  bronze  he  was 
wont  to  wear,  but  he  planted  the  spear  fast  in  the  midst  of 
his  belly.  Therewith  he  fell  gasping  from  the  well-wrought 
chariot,  and  Antilochos,  the  son  of  great-hearted  Nestor, 
drave  the  horses  out  from  the  Trojans,  among  the  well- 
greaved  Achaians.  Then  Deiphobos,  in  sorrow  for  Asios, 
drew  very  nigh  Idomeneus,  and  cast  at  him  with  his  shining 
spear.  But  Idomeneus  steadily  watching  him,  avoided  the 
spear  of  bronze,  being  hidden  beneath  the  circle  of  his 
shield,  the  shield  covered  about  with  ox-hide  and  gleaming 
bronze,  that  he  always  bore,  fitted  with  two  arm-rods : under 
this  he  crouched  together,  and  the  spear  of  bronze  flew 
over.  And  his  shield  rang  sharply,  as  the  spear  grazed  thereon. 
Yet  it  flew  not  vainly  from  the  heavy  hand  of  Deiphobos, 
but  smote  Hypsenor,  son  of  Hippasos,  the  shepherd  of  the 
hosts,  in  the  liver,  beneath  the  midriff,  and  instantly  unstrung 
his  knees.  And  Deiphobos  boasted  over  him  terribly,  cry- 
ing aloud : “ Ah,  verily,  not  unavenged  lies  Asios,  nay,  me- 
thinks,  that  even  on  his  road  to  Hades,  strong  Warden  of 
the  gate,  he  will  rejoice  at  heart,  since,  lo,  I have  sent  him 
escort  for  the  way  ! ” 

So  spake  he,  but  grief  came  on  the  Argives  by  reason 
of  his  boast,  and  stirred  above  all  the  soul  of  the  wise- 
hearted  Antilochos,  yet,  despite  his  sorrow,  he  was  not 
heedless  of  his  dear  comrade,  but  ran  and  stood  over  him, 
and  covered  him  with  his  buckler.  Then  two  trusty  com- 


ILIAD  XIII,  422-454 


259 


panions,  Mekisteus,  son  of  Echios,  and  goodly  Alastor, 
stooped  down  and  lifted  him,  and  with  heavy  groaning 
bare  him  to  the  hollow  ships. 

And  Idomeneus  relaxed  not  his  mighty  force,  but  ever 
was  striving,  either  to  cover  some  one  of  the  Trojans  with 
black  night,  or  himself  to  fall  in  warding  off  death  from  the 
Achaians.  There  the  dear  son  of  Aisyetes,  fosterling  of 
Zeus,  even  the  hero  Alkathoos,  was  slain,  who  was  son-in-law 
of  Anchises,  and  had  married  the  eldest  of  his  daughters, 
Hippodameia,  whom  her  father  and  her  lady  mother  dearly 
loved  in  the  halls,  for  she  excelled  all  the  maidens  of  her  age 
in  beauty,  and  skill,  and  in  wisdom,  wherefore  the  best  man 
in  wide  Troy  took  her  to  wife.  This  Alkathoos  did  Poseidon 
'.ubdue  to  Idomeneus,  throwing  a spell  over  his  shining 
?yes,  and  snaring  his  glorious  limbs ; so  that  he  might 
leither  flee  backwards,  nor  avoid  the  stroke,  but  stood 
steady  as  a pillar,  or  a tree  with  lofty  crown  of  leaves,  when 
;he  hero  Idomeneus  smote  him  in  the  midst  of  the  breast 
vith  the  spear,  and  rent  the  coat  of  bronze  about  him,  that 
iforetime  warded  death  from  his  body,  but  now  rang  harsh 
is  it  was  rent  by  the  spear.  And  he  fell  with  a crash, 
md  the  lance  fixed  in  his  heart,  that,  still  beating,  shook 
he  butt-end  of  the  spear.  Then  at  length  mighty  Ares  spent 
ts  fury  there ; but  Idomeneus  boasted  terribly,  and  cried 
iloud  : “ Deiphobos,  are  we  to  deem  it  fair  acquittal  that 
re  have  slain  three  men  for  one,  since  thou  boastest  thus  ? 
’Jay,  sir,  but  stand  thou  up  also  thyself  against  me,  that 
hou  mayst  know  what  manner  of  son  of  Zeus  am  I that  have 
ome  hither ! For  Zeus  first  begat  Minos,  the  warden  of 
>ete,  and  Minos  got  him  a son,  the  noble  Deukalion,  and 
)eukalion  begat  me,  a prince  over  many  men  in  wide  Crete, 
nd  now  have  the  ships  brought  me  hither,  a bane  to  thee 
nd  thy  father,  and  all  the  Trojans.” 


26o 


ILIAD  XIII,  455-484 


Thus  he  spake,  but  the  thoughts  of  Deiphobos  were 
divided,  whether  he  should  retreat,  and  call  to  his  aid  some 
one  of  the  great-hearted  Trojans,  or  should  try  the  adventure 
alone.  And  on  this  wise  to  his  mind  it  seemed  the  better, 
to  go  after  Aineias,  whom  he  found  standing  the  last  in  the 
press,  for  Aineias  was  ever  wroth  against  goodly  Priam,  for 
that  Priam  gave  him  no  honour,  despite  his  valour  among 
men.  So  Deiphobos  stood  by  him,  and  spake  winged 
words  to  him:  “Aineias,  thou  counsellor  of  the  Trojans, 
now  verily  there  is  great  need  that  thou  shouldst  succour  thy 
sister’s  husband,  if  any  care  for  kin  doth  touch  thee.  Nay 
follow,  let  us  succour  Alkathoos,  thy  sister’s  husband,  who  of 
old  did  cherish  thee  in  his  hall,  while  thou  wert  but  a little 
one,  and  now,  lo,  spear -famed  Idomeneus  hath  stripped 
him  of  his  arms  ! ” 

So  he  spake,  and  roused  the  spirit  in  the  breast  of  Aineias, 
who  went  to  seek  Idomeneus,  with  high  thoughts  of  war. 
But  fear  took  not  hold  upon  Idomeneus,  as  though  he  had 
been  some  tender  boy,  but  he  stood  at  bay,  like  a boar  on 
the  hills  that  trusteth  to  his  strength,  and  abides  the  great 
assailing  throng  of  men  in  a lonely  place,  and  he  bristles 
up  his  back,  and  his  eyes  shine  with  fire,  while  he  whets 
his  tusks,  and  is  right  eager  to  keep  at  bay  both  men  and 
hounds.  Even  so  stood  spear -famed  Idomeneus  at  bay 
against  Aineias,  that  came  to  the  rescue,  and  gave  ground 
no  whit,  but  called  on  his  comrades,  glancing  to  Askalaphos, 
and  Aphareus,  and  Deipyros,  and  Meriones,  and  Antilochos, 
all  masters  of  the  war-cry  : them  he  spurred  up  to  battle,  and 
spake  winged  words : “ Hither,  friends,  and  rescue  me,  all 
alone  as  I am,  and  terribly  I dread  the  onslaught  of  swift- 
footed Aineias,  that  is  assailing  me ; for  he  is  right  strong  to 
destroy  men  in  battle,  and  he  hath  the  flower  of  youth,  the 
greatest  avail  that  may  be.  Yea,  if  he  and  I were  of  like 


ILIAD  XIII,  484-517 


261 


age,  and  in  this  spirit  whereof  now  we  are,  speedily  should 
he  or  I achieve  high  victory.” 

So  he  spake,  and  they  all,  being  of  one  spirit  in  their 
hearts,  stood  hard  by  each  other,  with  buckler  laid  on 
shoulder.  But  Aineias,  on  the  other  side,  cried  to  his 
comrades,  glancing  to  Deiphobos,  and  Paris,  and  noble 
Agenor,  that  with  him  were  leaders  of  the  Trojans;  and 
then  the  hosts  followed  them,  as  sheep  follow  their  leader 
to  the  water  from  the  pasture,  and  the  shepherd  is  glad  at 
heart ; even  so  the  heart  of  Aineias  was  glad  in  his  breast, 
when  he  saw  the  hosts  of  the  people  following  to  aid  him. 

Then  they  rushed  in  close  fight  around  Alkathoos  with 
their  long  spears,  and  round  their  breasts  the  bronze  rang 
terribly,  as  they  aimed  at  each  other  in  the  press,  while 
two  men  of  war  beyond  the  rest,  Aineias  and  Idomeneus, 
the  peers  of  Ares,  were  each  striving  to  hew  the  flesh  of 
the  other  with  the  pitiless  bronze.  Now  Aineias  first  cast  at 
Idomeneus,  who  steadily  watching  him  avoided  the  spear 
of  bronze,  and  the  point  of  Aineias  went  quivering  in  the 
earth,  since  vainly  it  had  flown  from  his  stalwart  hand. 
But  Idomeneus  smote  Oinomaos  in  the  midst  of  the  belly, 
and  brake  the  plate  of  his  corslet,  and  the  bronze  let  forth 
the  bowels  through  the  corslet,  and  he  fell  in  the  dust  and 
clutched  the  earth  in  his  palms.  And  Idomeneus  drew 
forth  the  far-shadowing  spear  from  the  dead,  but  could  not 
avail  to  strip  the  rest  of  the  fair  armour  from  his  shoulders, 
for  the  darts  pressed  hard  on  him  Nay,  and  his  feet  no 
longer  served  him  firmly  in  a charge,  nor  could  he  rush 
after  his  own  spear,  nor  avoid  the  foe.  Wherefore  in  close 
fight  he  still  held  off  the  pitiless  day  of  destiny,  but  in 
retreat  his  feet  no  longer  bore  him  swiftly  from  the  battle. 
And  as  he  was  slowly  departing,  Deiphobos  aimed  at  him 
with  his  shining  spear,  for,  verily  he  ever  cherished  a steadfast 


262 


ILIAD  XIII,  518-549 


hatred  against  Idomeneus.  But  this  time,  too,  he  missed 
him,  and  smote  Askalaphos,  the  son  of  Enyalios,  with  his 
dart,  and  the  strong  spear  passed  through  his  shoulder, 
and  he  fell  in  the  dust,  and  clutched  the  earth  in  his  out- 
stretched hand.  But  loud-voiced  awful  Ares  was  not  yet 
aware  at  all  that  his  son  had  fallen  in  strong  battle,  but  he 
was  reclining  on  the  peak  of  Olympus,  beneath  the  golden 
clouds,  being  held  there  by  the  design  of  Zeus,  where  also 
were  the  other  deathless  gods,  restrained  from  the  war. 

Now  the  people  rushed  in  close  fight  around  Askalaphos, 
and  Deiphobos  tore  from  Askalaphos  his  shining  helm,  but 
Meriones,  the  peer  of  swift  Ares,  leaped  forward  and  smote 
the  arm  of  Deiphobos  with  his  spear,  and  from  his  hand  the 
vizored  casque  fell  clanging  to  the  ground.  And  Meriones 
sprang  forth  instantly,  like  a vulture,  and  drew  the  strong 
spear  from  the  shoulder  of  Deiphobos,  and  fell  back  among 
the  throng  of  his  comrades.  But  the  own  brother  of 
Deiphobos,  Polites,  stretched  his  hands  round  his  waist, 
and  led  him  forth  from  the  evil  din  of  war,  even  till  he  came 
to  the  swift  horses,  that  waited  for  him  behind  the  battle  and 
the  fight,  with  their  charioteer,  and  well-dight  chariot.  These 
bore  him  heavily  groaning  to  the  city,  worn  with  his  hurt, 
and  the  blood  ran  down  from  his  newly  wounded  arm. 

But  the  rest  still  were  fighting,  and  the  war-cry  rose 
unquenched.  There  Aineias  rushed  on  Aphareus,  son  of 
Kaletor,  and  struck  his  throat,  that  chanced  to  be  turned  to 
him,  with  the  keen  spear,  and  his  head  dropped  down  and 
his  shield  and  helm  fell  with  him,  and  death  that  slays  the 
spirit  overwhelmed  him.  And  Antilochos  watched  Thoon 
as  he  turned  the  other  way,  and  leaped  on  him,  and  wounded 
him,  severing  all  the  vein  that  runs  up  the  back  till  it 
reaches  the  neck  ; this  he  severed  clean,  and  Thoon  fell  on 
his  back  in  the  dust,  stretching  out  both  his  hands  to  his 


ILIAD  XIII,  550-580 


263 


comrades  dear.  Then  Antilochos  rushed  on,  and  stripped 
the  armour  from  his  shoulders,  glancing  around  while  the 
Trojans  gathered  from  here  and  there,  and  smote  his  wide 
shining  shield,  yet  did  not  avail  to  graze,  behind  the  shield, 
the  delicate  flesh  of  Antilochos  with  the  pitiless  bronze. 
For  verily  Poseidon,  the  Shaker  of  the  earth,  did  guard  on 
every  side  the  son  of  Nestor,  even  in  the  midst  of  the  javelins. 
And  never  did  Antilochos  get  free  of  the  foe,  but  turned 
him  about  among  them,  nor  ever  was  his  spear  at  rest,  but 
always  brandished  and  shaken,  and  the  aim  of  his  heart  was 
to  smite  a foeman  from  afar,  or  to  set  on  him  at  close  quar- 
ters. But  as  he  was  aiming  through  the  crowd,  he  escaped 
not  the  ken  of  Adamas,  son  of  Asios,  who  smote  the  midst 
of  his  shield  with  the  sharp  bronze,  setting  on  nigh  at  hand ; 
but  Poseidon  of  the  dark  locks  made  his  shaft  of  no  avail, 
grudging  him  the  life  of  Antilochos.  And  part  of  the  spear 
abode  there,  like  a burned  stake,  in  the  shield  of  Antilochos, 
and  half  lay  on  the  earth,  and  back  retreated  Adamas  to  the 
ranks  of  his  comrades,  avoiding  Fate.  But  Meriones  follow- 
ing after  him  as  he  departed,  smote  him  with  a spear  between 
the  privy  parts  and  the  navel,  where  a wound  is  most 
baneful  to  wretched  mortals.  Even  there  he  fixed  the 
spear  in  him  and  he  fell,  and  writhed  about  the  spear,  even 
as  a bull  that  herdsmen  on  the  hills  drag  along  perforce 
when  they  have  bound  him  with  withes,  so  he  when  he 
was  smitten  writhed  for  a moment,  not  for  long,  till  the 
hero  Meriones  came  near,  and  drew  the  spear  out  of  his 
body.  And  darkness  covered  his  eyes. 

And  Helenos  in  close  fight  smote  Deipyros  on  the  temple, 
with  a great  Thracian  sword,  and  tore  away  the  helm,  and 
the  helm,  being  dislodged,  fell  on  the  ground,  and  one  of 
the  Achaians  in  the  fight  picked  it  up  as  it  rolled  between 
his  feet  But  dark  night  covered  the  eyes  of  Deipyros. 


264 


ILIAD  XIII,  581-612 


Then  grief  took  hold  of  the  son  of  Atreus,  Menelaos  of 
the  loud  war-cry,  and  he  went  with  a threat  against  the  warrior 
Helenos,  the  prince,  shaking  his  sharp  spear,  while  the  other 
drew  the  centre-piece  of  his  bow.  And  both  at  once  were 
making  ready  to  let  fly,  one  with  his  sharp  spear,  the  other 
with  the  arrow  from  the  string.  Then  the  son  of  Priam 
smote  Menelaos  on  the  breast  with  his  arrow,  on  the  plate 
of  the  corslet,  and  off  flew  the  bitter  arrow.  Even  as  from  a 
broad  shovel  in  a great  threshing  floor,  fly  the  black-skinned 
beans  and  pulse,  before  the  whistling  wind,  and  the  stress  of 
the  winnower’s  shovel,  even  so  from  the  corslet  of  renowned 
Menelaos  flew  glancing  far  aside  the  bitter  arrow.  But  the 
son  of  Atreus,  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry,  smote  the 
hand  of  Helenos  wherein  he  held  the  polished  bow,  and 
into  the  bow,  clean  through  the  hand,  was  driven  the  spear 
of  bronze.  Back  he  withdrew  to  the  ranks  of  his  comrades, 
avoiding  Fate,  with  his  hand  hanging  down  at  his  side,  for 
the  ashen  spear  dragged  after  him.  And  the  great-hearted 
Agenor  drew  the  spear  from  his  hand,  and  himself  bound  up 
the  hand  with  a band  of  twisted  sheep’s-wool,  a sling  that  a 
squire  carried  for  him,  the  shepherd  of  the  host. 

Then  Peisandros  made  straight  for  renowned  Menelaos, 
but  an  evil  Fate  was  leading  him  to  the  end  of  Death ; by 
thee,  Menelaos,  to  be  overcome  in  the  dread  strife  of  battle. 
Now  when  the  twain  had  come  nigh  in  onset  upon  each 
other,  the  son  of  Atreus  missed,  and  his  spear  was  turned 
aside,  but  Peisandros  smote  the  shield  of  renowned  Menelaos, 
yet  availed  not  to  drive  the  bronze  clean  through,  for  the 
wide  shield  caught  it,  and  the  spear  brake  in  the  socket,  yet 
Peisandros  rejoiced  in  his  heart,  and  hoped  for  the  victory. 
But  the  son  of  Atreus  drew  his  silver-studded  sword,  and 
leaped  upon  Peisandros.  And  Peisandros,  under  his  shield, 
clutched  his  goodly  axe  of  fine  bronze,  with  long  and 


ILIAD  XIII,  613-644 


265 


polished  haft  of  olive-wood,  and  the  twain  set  upon  each 
other.  Then  Peisandros  smote  the  crest  of  the  helmet 
shaded  with  horse  hair,  close  below  the  very  plume,  but 
Menelaos  struck  the  other,  as  he  came  forward,  on  the  brow, 
above  the  base  of  the  nose,  and  the  bones  cracked,  and  the 
eyes,  all  bloody,  fell  at  his  feet  in  the  dust.  Then  he  bowed 
and  fell,  and  Menelaos  set  his  foot  on  his  breast,  and  stripped 
him  of  his  arms,  and  triumphed,  saying : “ Even  thus  then 
surely,  ye  will  leave  the  ships  of  the  Danaans  of  the  swift 
steeds,  ye  Trojans  overweening,  insatiate  of  the  dread  din 
of  war.  Yea,  and  ye  shall  not  lack  all  other  reproof  and 
shame,  wherewith  ye  made  me  ashamed,  ye  hounds  of  evil, 
having  no  fear  in  your  hearts  of  the  strong  wrath  of  loud- 
thundering  Zeus,  the  god  of  guest  and  host,  who  one  day 
will  destroy  your  steep  citadel.  O ye  that  wantonly  carried 
away  my  wedded  wife  and  many  of  my  possessions,  when  ye 
were  entertained  by  her,  now  again  ye  are  fain  to  throw 
ruinous  fire  on  the  seafaring  ships,  and  to  slay  the  Achaian 
heroes.  Nay,  but  ye  will  yet  refrain  you  from  battle,  for  as 
eager  as  ye  be.  O father  Zeus,  verily  they  say  that  thou 
dost  excel  in  wisdom  all  others,  both  gods  and  men,  and  all 
these  things  are  from  thee.  How  wondrously  art  thou 
favouring  men  of  violence,  even  the  Trojans,  whose  might 
is  ever  iniquitous,  nor  can  they  have  their  fill  of  the  din  of 
equal  war.  Of  all  things  there  is  satiety,  yea,  even  of  love 
and  sleep,  and  of  sweet  song,  and  dance  delectable,  whereof  a 
man  would  sooner  have  his  fill  than  of  war,  but  the  Trojans 
are  insatiable  of  battle.” 

Thus  noble  Menelaos  spake,  and  stripped  the  bloody 
arms  from  the  body,  and  gave  them  to  his  comrades,  and 
instantly  himself  went  forth  again,  and  mingled  in  the  fore- 
front of  the  battle.  Then  Harpalion,  the  son  of  king 
Pylaimenes,  leaped  out  against  him,  Harpalion  that  followed 


266 


ILIAD  XIII,  645-673 


his  dear  father  to  Troy,  to  the  war,  nor  ever  came  again  to 
his  own  country.  He  then  smote  the  middle  of  the  shield 
of  Atreus’  son  with  his  spear,  in  close  fight,  yet  availed  not 
to  drive  the  bronze  clean  through,  but  fell  back  into  the 
host  of  his  comrades,  avoiding  Fate,  glancing  round  every 
way,  lest  one  should  wound  his  flesh  with  the  bronze.  But 
Meriones  shot  at  him  as  he  retreated  with  a bronze-shod 
arrow,  and  smote  him  in  the  right  buttock,  and  the  arrow 
went  right  through  the  bladder  and  came  out  under  the 
bone.  And  sitting  down,  even  there,  in  the  arms  of  his 
dear  comrades,  he  breathed  away  his  soul,  lying  stretched 
like  a worm  on  the  earth,  and  out  flowed  the  black  blood, 
and  wetted  the  ground.  And  the  Paphlagonians  great  of 
heart,  tended  him  busily,  and  set  him  in  a chariot,  and 
drove  him  to  sacred  Ilios  sorrowing,  and  with  them  went  his 
father,  shedding  tears,  and  there  was  no  atonement  for  his 
dead  son. 

Now  Paris  was  very  wroth  at  heart  by  reason  of  his  slay- 
ing, for  he  had  been  his  host  among  the  many  Paphlagonians, 
wherefore,  in  wrath  for  his  sake,  he  let  fly  a bronze-shod 
arrow.  Now  there  was  a certain  Euchenor,  the  son  of 
Polyidos  the  seer,  a rich  man  and  a good,  whose  dwelling 
was  in  Corinth.  And  well  he  knew  his  own  ruinous  fate, 
when  he  went  on  ship-board,  for  often  would  the  old  man, 
the  good  Polyidos,  tell  him,  that  he  must  either  perish  of  a 
sore  disease  in  his  halls,  or  go  with  the  ships  of  the  Achaians, 
and  be  overcome  by  the  Trojans.  Wherefore  he  avoided  at 
once  the  heavy  war-fine  of  the  Achaians,  and  the  hateful 
disease,  that  so  he  might  not  know  any  anguish.  This  man 
did  Paris  smite  beneath  the  jaw  and  under  the  ear,  and 
swiftly  his  spirit  departed  from  his  limbs,  and,  lo,  dread  dark- 
ness overshadowed  him. 

So  they  fought  like  flaming  fire,  but  Hector,  beloved  of 


ILIAD  XIII,  674-706 


267 


Zeus,  had  not  heard  nor  knew  at  all  that,  on  the  left  of  the 
ships,  his  host  was  being  subdued  by  the  Argives,  and  soon 
would  the  Achaians  have  won  renown,  so  mighty  was  the 
Holder  and  Shaker  of  the  earth  that  urged  on  the  Argives  ; 
yea,  and  himself  mightily  defended  them.  But  Hector  kept 
where  at  first  he  had  leaped  within  the  walls  and  the  gate,  and 
broken  the  serried  ranks  of  shield-bearing  Danaans,  even 
where  were  the  ships  of  Aias  and  Protesilaos,  drawn  up  on 
the  beach  of  the  hoary  sea,  while  above  the  wall  was  builded 
lowest,  and  thereby  chiefly  the  heroes  and  their  horses  were 
raging  in  battle. 

There  the  Boiotians,  and  Ionians  with  trailing  tunics,  and 
Lokrians  and  Phthians  and  illustrious  Epeians  scarcely 
availed  to  stay  his  onslaught  on  the  ships,  nor  yet  could 
they  drive  back  from  them  noble  Hector,  like  a flame  of 
fire.  And  there  were  the  picked  men  of  the  Athenians  ; 
among  them  Menestheus  son  of  Peteos  was  the  leader  ; 
and  there  followed  with  him  Pheidas  and  Stichios,  and  brave 
Bias,  while  the  Epeians  were  led  by  Meges,  son  of  Phyleus, 
and  Amphion  and  Drakios,  and  in  front  of  the  Phthians 
were  Medon,  and  Podarkes  resolute  in  war.  Now  the  one, 
Medon,  was  the  bastard  son  of  noble  Oileus,  and  brother  of 
Aias,  and  he  dwelt  in  Phylake,  far  from  his  own  country,  for 
that  he  had  slain  a man,  the  brother  of  his  stepmother 
Eriopis,  wife  of  Oileus.  But  the  other,  Podarkes,  was  the 
son  of  Iphiklos  son  of  Phylakos,  and  they  in  their  armour, 
in  the  van  of  the  great-hearted  Phthians,  were  defending 
the  ships,  and  fighting  among  the  Boiotians. 

Now  never  at  all  did  Aias,  the  swift  son  of  Oileus,  depart 
from  the  side  of  Aias,  son  of  Telamon,  nay,  not  for  an  instant, 
but  even  as  in  fallow  land  two  wine-dark  oxen  with  equal  heart 
strain  at  the  shapen  plough,  and  round  the  roots  of  their 
horns  springeth  up  abundant  sweat,  and  nought  sunders 


268 


ILIAD  XIII,  706-737 


them  but  the  polished  yoke,  as  they  labour  through  the 
furrow,  till  the  end  of  the  furrow  brings  them  up,  so  stood 
the  two  Aiantes  close  by  each  other.  Now  verily  did  many 
and  noble  hosts  of  his  comrades  follow  with  the  son  of 
Telamon,  and  bore  his  shield  when  labour  and  sweat  came 
upon  his  limbs.  But  the  Lokrians  followed  not  with  the 
high-hearted  son  of  Oileus,  for  their  hearts  were  not  stead- 
fast in  close  brunt  of  battle,  seeing  that  they  had  no  helmets 
of  bronze,  shadowy  with  horse -hair  plumes,  nor  round 
shields,  nor  ashen  spears,  but  trusting  in  bows  and  well- 
twisted  slings  of  sheep’s  wool,  they  followed  with  him  to 
Ilios.  Therewith,  in  the  war,  they  shot  thick  and  fast,  and 
brake  the  ranks  of  the  Trojans.  So  the  one  party  in  front, 
with  their  well  - dight  arms  contended  with  the  Trojans, 
and  with  Hector  arrayed  in  bronze,  while  the  others  from 
behind  kept  shooting  from  their  ambush,  and  the  Trojans 
lost  all  memory  of  the  joy  of  battle,  for  the  arro  ws  confounded 
them. 

There  then  right  ruefully  from  the  ships  and  the  huts 
would  the  Trojans  have  withdrawn  to  windy  Ilios,  had  not 
Polydamas  come  near  valiant  Hector  and  said  : “ Hector, 
thou  art  hard  to  be  persuaded  by  them  that  would  counsel' 
thee ; for  that  god  has  given  thee  excellence  in  the  works 
of  war,  therefore  in  council  also  thou  art  fain  to  excel 
other  men  in  knowledge.  But  in  nowise  wilt  thou  be  able 
to  take  everything  on  thyself.  For  to  one  man  has  god 
given  for  his  portion  the  works  of  war,  [to  another  the 
dance,  to  another  the  lute  and  song,]  but  in  the  heart  of  yet 
another  hath  far-seeing  Zeus  placed  an  excellent  under- 
standing, whereof  many  men  get  gain,  yea  he  saveth  many 
an  one,  and  himself  best  knoweth  it  But,  lo,  I will  speak 
even  as  it  seemeth  best  to  me.  Behold  all  about  thee  the 
circle  of  war  is  blazing,  but  the  great-hearted  Trojans,  now 


ILIAD  XIII,  737-769 


269 


that  they  have  got  down  the  wall,  are  some  with  their  arms 
standing  aloof  and  some  are  fighting,  few  men  against  a host, 
being  scattered  among  the  ships.  Nay,  withdraw  thee,  and 
call  hither  all  the  best  of  the  warriors.  Thereafter  shall  we 
take  all  counsel  carefully,  whether  we  should  fall  on  the  ships 
of  many  benches,  if  indeed  god  willeth  to  give  us  victory,  or 
after  counsel  held,  should  return  unharmed  from  the  ships. 
For  verily  I fear  lest  the  Achaians  repay  their  debt  of 
yesterday,  since  by  the  ships  there  tarrieth  a man  insatiate 
of  war,  and  never,  methinks,  will  he  wholly  stand  aloof  from 
battle.” 

So  spake  Polydamas,  and  his  safe  counsel  pleased  Hector 
well,  who  [straightway  sprang  to  earth  from  the  chariot  with 
his  arms,  and]  spake  to  him  winged  words  and  said  : “ Poly- 
damas, do  thou  stay  here  all  the  best  of  the  host,  but  I will 
go  thither  to  face  the  war,  and  swiftly  will  return  again,  when 
I have  straitly  laid  on  them  my  commands.” 

So  he  spake,  and  set  forth,  in  semblance  like  a snowy 
mountain,  and  shouting  aloud  he  flew  through  the  Trojans 
and  allies.  And  they  all  sped  to  Polydamas,  the  kindly 
son  of  Panthoos,  when  they  heard  the  voice  of  Hector. 
But  he  went  seeking  Deiphobos,  and  the  strong  prince 
Helenos,  and  Adamas  son  of  Asios,  and  Asios  son  of  Hyr- 
takos,  among  the  warriors  in  the  foremost  line,  if  anywhere 
he  might  find  them.  But  them  he  found  not  at  all  un- 
harmed, nor  free  of  bane,  but,  lo,  some  among  the  stems  of 
the  ships  of  the  Achaians  lay  lifeless,  slain  by  the  hands  of  the 
Argives,  and  some  were  within  the  wall  wounded  by  thrust  or 
cast.  But  one  he  readily  found,  on  the  left  of  the  dolorous 
battle,  goodly  Alexandras,  the  lord  of  fair-tressed  Helen, 
heartening  his  comrades  and  speeding  them  to  war.  And  he 
drew  near  to  him,  and  addressed  him  with  words  of  shame  : 
“ Thou  evil  Paris,  fairest  of  face,  thou  that  lustest  for  women, 


270 


ILIAD  XIII,  770-800 


thou  seducer,  where,  prithee,  are  Deiphobos,  and  the  strong 
prince  Helenos,  and  Adamas  son  of  Asios,  and  Asios  son 
of  Hyrtakos,  and  where  is  Othryoneus  ? Now  hath  all  high 
Ilios  perished  utterly.  Now,  too,  thou  seest,  is  sheer  destruc- 
tion sure.” 

Then  godlike  Alexandros  answered  him  again  saying : 
“ Hector,  since  thy  mind  is  to  blame  one  that  is  blame- 
less, some  other  day  might  I rather  withdraw  me  from  the  war, 
since  my  mother  bare  not  even  me  wholly  a coward.  For  from 
the  time  that  thou  didst  gather  the  battle  of  thy  comrades 
about  the  ships,  from  that  hour  do  we  abide  here,  and  war 
with  the  Danaans  ceaselessly;  and  our  comrades  concerning 
whom  thou  inquirest  are  slain.  Only  Deiphobos  and  the 
strong  prince  Helenos  have  both  withdrawn,  both  of  them 
being  wounded  in  the  hand  with  long  spears,  for  Kronion 
kept  death  away  from  them.  But  now  lead  on,  wheresoever 
thy  heart  and  spirit  bid  thee,  and  we  will  follow  with  thee 
eagerly,  nor  methinks  shall  we  lack  for  valour,  as  far  as  we 
have  strength ; but  beyond  his  strength  may  no  man  fight, 
howsoever  eager  he  be.” 

So  spake  the  hero,  and  persuaded  his  brother’s  heart, 
and  they  went  forth  where  the  war  and  din  were  thickest, 
round  Kebriones,  and  noble  Polydamas,  and  Phalkes,  and 
Orthaios,  and  godlike  Polyphetes,  and  Palmys,  and  Askanios, 
and  Morys,  son  of  Hippotion,  who  had  come  in  their  turn, 
out  of  deep -soiled  Askanie,  on  the  mom  before,  and  now 
Zeus  urged  them  to  fight.  And  these  set  forth  like  the  blast 
of  violent  winds,  that  rushes  earthward  beneath  the  thunder 
of  father  Zeus,  and  with  marvellous  din  doth  mingle  with 
the  salt  sea,  and  therein  are  many  swelling  waves  of  the  loud 
roaring  sea,  arched  over  and  white  with  foam,  some  van- 
ward,  others  in  the  rear ; even  so  the  Trojans  arrayed  in  vaD 
and  rear  and  shining  with  bronze,  followed  after  their  leaders. 


ILIAD  XIII,  801-832 


271 


And  Hector  son  of  Priam  was  leading  them,  the  peer  of 
Ares,  the  bane  of  men.  In  front  he  held  the  circle  of 
his  shield,  thick  with  hides,  and  plates  of  beaten  bronze, 
and  on  his  temples  swayed  his  shining  helm.  And  every- 
where he  went  in  advance  and  made  trial  of  the  ranks, 
if  perchance  they  would  yield  to  him  as  he  charged  under 
cover  of  his  shield.  But  he  could  not  confound  the  heart 
within  the  breast  of  the  Achaians.  And  Aias,  stalking  with 
long  strides,  challenged  him  first : “ Sir,  draw  nigh,  wherefore 
dost  thou  vainly  try  to  dismay  the  Argives  ? We  are  in  no 
wise  ignorant  of  war,  but  by  the  cruel  scourge  of  Zeus  are  we 
Achaians  vanquished.  Surely  now  thy  heart  hopes  utterly  to 
spoil  the  ships,  but  we  too  have  hands  presently  to  hold  our 
own.  Verily  your  peopled  city  will  long  ere  that  beneath  our 
hands  be  taken  and  sacked.  But  for  thee,  I tell  thee  that  the 
time  is  at  hand,  when  thou  shalt  pray  in  thy  flight  to  father 
Zeus,  and  the  other  immortal  gods,  that  thy  fair-maned  steeds 
may  be  fleeter  than  falcons  : thy  steeds  that  are  to  bear  thee 
to  the  city,  as  they  storm  in  dust  across  the  plain.” 

And  even  as  he  spake,  a bird  flew  forth  on  the  right 
hand,  an  eagle  of  lofty  flight,  and  the  host  of  the  Achaians 
shouted  thereat,  encouraged  by  the  omen,  but  renowned 
Hector  answered : “ Aias,  thou  blundering  boaster,  what 
sayest  thou  ! Would  that  indeed  I were  for  ever  as  surely 
the  son  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  and  that  my  mother  were  lady 
Hera,  and  that  I were  held  in  such  honour  as  Apollo  and 
Athene,  as  verily  this  day  is  to  bring  utter  evil  on  all  the 
Argives  ! And  thou  among  them  shalt  be  slain,  if  thou  hast 
the  heart  to  await  my  long  spear,  which  shall  rend  thy  lily 
skin,  and  thou  shalt  glut  with  thy  fat  and  flesh  the  birds 
and  dogs  of  the  Trojans,  falling  among  the  ships  of  the 
Achaians.” 

So  he  spake  and  led  the  way,  and  they  followed  with 


2 72 


ILIAD  XIII,  S32-837 


wondrous  din,  and  the  whole  host  shouted  behind.  And  the 
Argives  on  the  other  side  answered  with  a shout,  and  forgot 
not  their  valiance,  but  abode  the  onslaught  of  the  bravest  of 
the  Trojans.  And  the  cry  of  the  two  hosts  went  up  through 
the  higher  air,  to  the  splendour  of  Zeus. 


BOOK  XIV. 


How  Sleep  and  Hera  beguiled  Zeus  to  slumber  on  the  heights  of  Ida, 
and  Poseidon  spurred  on  the  Achaians  to  resist  Hector,  and  how 
Hector  was  wounded. 


iTet  the  cry  of  battle  escaped  not  Nestor,  albeit  at  his  wine, 
)ut  he  spake  winged  words  to  the  son  of  Asklepios : “ Be- 
hink  thee,  noble  Machaon.  what  had  best  be  done;  lo, 
ouder  waxes  the  cry  of  the  strong  warriors  by  the  ships. 
<Jay,  now  sit  where  thou  art,  and  drink  the  bright  wine,  till 
lekamede  of  the  fair  tresses  shall  heat  warm  water  for  the 
>ath,  and  wash  away  the  clotted  blood,  but  I will  speedily 
;o  forth  and  come  to  a place  of  outlook.” 

Therewith  he  took  the  well- wrought  shield  of  his  son,horse- 
aming  Thrasymedes,  which  was  lying  in  the  hut,  all  glistering 
nth  bronze,  for  the  son  had  the  shield  of  his  father.  And 
e seized  a strong  spear,  with  a point  of  keen  bronze,  and  stood 
utside  the  hut,  and  straightway  beheld  a deed  of  shame,  the 
ichaians  fleeing  in  rout,  and  the  high-hearted  Trojans  driv- 
lg  them,  and  the  wall  of  the  Achaians  was  overthrown.  And 
5 when  the  great  sea*  is  troubled  with  a dumb  wave,  and 
imly  bodes  the  sudden  paths  of  the  shrill  winds,  but  is  still 
nmoved  nor  yet  rolled  forward  or  to  either  side,  until  some 
eady  gale  comes  down  from  Zeus,  even  so  the  old  man  pon- 
sred, — his  mind  divided  this  way  and  that, — whether  he 
lould  fare  into  the  press  of  the  Danaans  of  the  swift  steeds. 


T 


274 


ILIAD  XIV,  21-51 


or  go  after  Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus,  shepherd  of  the  host 
And  thus  as  he  pondered,  it  seemed  to  him  the  better  counse 
to  go  to  the  son  of  Atreus.  Meanwhile  they  were  warring  an< 
slaying  each  other,  and  the  stout  bronze  rang  about  their  bodie: 
as  they  were  thrust  with  swords  and  double-pointed  spears. 

Now  the  kings,  the  fosterlings  of  Zeus,  encounteret 
Nestor,  as  they  went  up  from  the  ships,  even  they  tha 
were  wounded  with  the  bronze,  Tydeus’  son,  and  Odys 
seus,  and  Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus.  For  far  apart  fron 
the  battle  were  their  ships  drawn  up,  on  the  shore  of  th< 
grey  sea,  for  these  were  the  first  they  had  drawn  up  to  th< 
plain,  but  had  builded  the  wall  in  front  of  the  hindmost 
For  in  no  wise  might  the  beach,  for  as  wide  as  it  was,  hok 
all  the  ships,  and  the  host  was  straitened.  Wherefore  the 
drew  up  the  ships  row  within  row,  and  filled  up  the  wid< 
mouth  of  all  the  shore  that  the  headlands  held  betweei 
them.  Therefore  the  kings  were  going  together,  leaning  01 
their  spears,  to  look  on  the  war  and  fray,  and  the  heart  0 
each  was  sore  within  his  breast.  And  the  old  man  me 
them,  even  Nestor,  and  caused  the  spirit  to  fail  within  thi 
breasts  of  the  Achaians. 

And  mighty  Agamemnon  spake  and  accosted  him : “ ( 
Nestor,  son  of  Neleus,  great  glory  of  the  Achaians,  where 
fore  dost  thou  come  hither  and  hast  deserted  the  wai 
the  bane  of  men  ? Lo,  I fear  the  accomplishment  of  th 
word  that  dread  Hector  spake,  and  the  threat  wherewith  h 
threatened  us,  speaking  in  the  assembly  of  the  Trojans 
namely,  that  never  would  he  return 'to  Ilios  from  the  ships 
till  he  had  burned  the  ships  with  fire,  and  slain  the  mer 
Even  so  he  spake,  and,  lo,  now  all  these  things  are  bein 
fulfilled.  Alas,  surely  even  the  other  well-greaved  Achaian 
store  wrath  against  me  in  their  hearts,  like  Achilles,  an 
have  no  desire  to  fight  by  the  rearmost  ships.” 


ILIAD  XIV,  52-81 


275 


Then  Nestor  of  Gerenia  the  knight  answered  him  say- 
ing : “ Verily  these  things  are  now  at  hand,  and  being 
accomplished,  nor  otherwise  could  Zeus  himself  contrive 
them,  he  that  thundereth  on  high.  For,  lo,  the  wall  is 
overthrown,  wherein  we  trusted  that  it  should  be  an  un- 
broken bulwark  of  the  ships  and  of  our  own  bodies.  And 
these  men  by  the  swift  ships  have  endless  battle  without 
sparing,  and  no  more  couldst  thou  tell,  howsoever  closely 
thou  mightst  spy,  from  what  side  the  Achaians  are  driven 
in  rout,  so  confusedly  are  they  slain,  and  the  cry  of  battle 
goeth  up  to  heaven.  But  let  us  take  counsel,  how  these 
things  may  best  be  done,  if  wit  may  do  aught : but  into  the 
war  I counsel  not  that  we  should  go  down,  for  in  no  wise 
may  a wounded  man  do  battle.” 

Then  Agamemnon  king  of  men  answered  him  again  : 
“ Nestor,  for  that  they  are  warring  by  the  rearmost  ships, 
and  the  well-builded  wall  hath  availed  not,  nor  the  trench, 
whereat  the  Achaians  endured  so  much  labour,  hoping  in 
their  hearts  that  it  should  be  the  unbroken  bulwark  of  the 
ships,  and  of  their  own  bodies — such  it  seemeth  must  be 
the  will  of  Zeus  supreme,  [that  the  Achaians  should  perish 
here  nameless  far  from  Argos].  For  I knew  it  when  he 
was  forward  to  aid  the  Danaans,  and  now  I know  that  he 
is  giving  to  the  Trojans  glory  like  that  of  the  blessed  gods, 
md  hath  bound  our  hands  and  our  strength.  But  come,  as 
[ declare,  let  us  all  obey.  Let  us  drag  down  the  ships  that 
ire  drawn  up  in  the  first  line  near  to  the  sea,  and  speed  them 
ill  forth  to  the  salt  sea  divine,  and  moor  them  far  out  with 
;tones,  till  the  divine  night  comes,  if  even  at  night  the  Tro- 
ans  will  refrain  from  war,  and  then  might  we  drag  down 
ill  the  ships.  For  there  is  no  shame  in  fleeing  from  ruin, 
rea,  even  in  the  night.  Better  doth  he  fare  who  flees  from 
rouble,  than  he  that  is  overtaken.” 


2 70 


ILIAD  XIV,  82-112 


Then,  looking  on  him  sternly,  spake  Odysseus  of  many 
counsels  : “ Atreus’  son,  what  word  hath  passed  the  door  of 
thy  lips  ? Man  of  mischief,  sure  thou  shouldst  lead  some  other 
inglorious  army,  not  be  king  among  us,  to  whom  Zeus  hath 
given  it,  from,  youth  even  unto  age,  to  wind  the  skein  of 
grievous  wars,  till  every  man  of  us  perish.  Art  thou  indeed  so 
eager  to  leave  the  wide-wayed  city  of  the  Trojans,  the  city  for 
which  we  endure  with  sorrow  so  many  evils  ? Be  silent,  lest 
some  other  of  the  Achaians  hear  this  word,  that  no  man 
should  so  much  as  suffer  to  pass  through  his  mouth,  none 
that  understandeth  in  his  heart  how  to  speak  fit  counsel, 
none  that  is  a sceptred  king,  and  hath  hosts  obeying  him  so 
many  as  the  Argives  over  whom  thou  reignest.  And  now  I 
wholly  scorn  thy  thoughts,  such  a word  as  thou  hast  uttered, 
thou  that,  in  the  midst  of  war  and  battle,  dost  bid  us  draw 
down  the  well-timbered  ships  to  the  sea,  that  even  more 
than  ever  the  Trojans  may  possess  their  desire,  albeit  they 
win  the  mastery  even  now,  and  sheer  destruction  fall  upon 
us.  For  the  Achaians  will  not  make  good  the  war,  when  the 
ships  are  drawn  down  to  the  salt  sea,  but  will  look  round 
about  to  flee,  and  withdraw  from  battle.  There  will  thy 
counsel  work  a mischief,  O marshal  of  the  host !” 

Then  the  king  of  men,  Agamemnon,  answered  him : 
“Odysseus,  right  sharply  hast  thou  touched  my  heart  with  thy 
stern  reproof : nay,  I do  not  bid  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  to 
drag,  against  their  will,  the  well-timbered  ships  to  the  salt 
sea.  Now  perchance  there  may  be  one  who  will  utter  a wiser 
counsel  than  this  of  mine, — a young  man  or  an  old, — wel- 
come would  it  be  to  me.” 

Then  Diomedes  of  the  loud  war-cry  spake  also  among 
them : “ The  man  is  near, — not  long  shall  we  seek  him,  if  ye 
be  willing  to  be  persuaded  of  me,  and  each  of  you  be  not  re- 
sentful at  all,  because  in  years  I am  the  youngest  among  you 


ILIAD  XIV,  1 13-145 


277 


Nay,  but  I too  boast  me  to  come  by  lineage  of  a noble  sire, 
Tydeus,  whom  in  Thebes  the  piled-up  earth  doth  cover, 
For  Portheus  had  three  well-born  children,  and  they  dwelt 
in  Pleuron,  and  steep  Kalydon,  even  Agrios  and  Melas,  and 
the  third  was  Oineus  the  knight,  the  father  of  my  father, 
and  in  valour  he  excelled  the  others.  And  there  he  abode, 
but  my  father  dwelt  at  Argos,  whither  he  had  wandered,  for 
so  Zeus  and  the  other  gods  willed  that  it  should  be.  And 
he  wedded  one  of  the  daughters  of  Adrastos,  and  dwelt 
in  a house  full  of  livelihood,  and  had  wheat-bearing  fields 
enow,  and  many  orchards  of  trees  apart,  and  many  sheep 
were  his,  and  in  skill  with  the  spear  he  excelled  all  the 
Achaians  : these  things  ye  must  have  heard,  if  I speak  sooth. 
Therefore  ye  could  not  say  that  I am  weak  and  a coward  by 
lineage,  and  so  dishonour  my  spoken  counsel,  that  well  I 
may  speak.  Let  us  go  down  to  the  battle,  wounded  as  we 
are,  since  we  needs  must ; and  then  might  we  hold  ourselves 
aloof  from  the  battle,  beyond  the  range  of  darts,  lest  any 
take  wound  upon  wound ; but  the  others  will  we  spur  on, 
even  them  that  aforetime  gave  place  to  their  passion,  and 
.stand  apart,  and  fight  not.” 

So  he  spake,  and  they  all  heard  him  readily,  and  obeyed 
him.  And  they  set  forth,  led  by  Agamemnon  the  king  of  men. 

Now  the  renowned  Earth-shaker  held  no  vain  watch,  but 
went  with  them  in  the  guise  of  an  ancient  man,  and  he  seized 
the  right  hand  of  Agamemnon,  Atreus’  son,  and  uttering 
winged  words  he  spake  to  him,  saying : “ Atreides,  now  me- 
thinks  the  ruinous  heart  of  Achilles  rejoices  in  his  breast,  as 
le  beholds  the  slaughter  and  flight  of  the  Achaians,  since  he 
lath  no  wisdom,  not  a grain.  Nay,  even  so  may  he  perish 
ikewise,  and  god  mar  him.  But  with  thee  the  blessed 
;ods  are  not  utterly  wroth,  nay,  even  yet  methinks  the 
eaders  and  rulers  of  the  Trojans  will  cover  the  wide  plain 


278 


ILIAD  XIV,  145-179 


with  dust,  and  thyself  shalt  see  them  fleeing  to  the  city  from 
the  ships  and  the  huts.” 

So  spake  he,  and  shouted  mightily,  as  he  sped  over  the 
plain.  And  loud  as  nine  thousand  men,  or  ten  thousand 
cry  in  battle,  when  they  join  the  strife  of  war,  so  mighty  was 
the  cry  that  the  strong  Shaker  of  the  earth  sent  forth  from 
his  breast,  and  great  strength  he  put  into  the  heart  of  each 
of  the  Achaians,  to  strive  and  war  unceasingly. 

Now  Hera  of  the  golden  throne  stood  on  the  peak  of 
Olympus,  and  saw  with  her  eyes,  and  anon  knew  him  that 
was  her  brother  and  her  lord’s  going  to  and  fro  through 
the  glorious  fight,  and  she  rejoiced  in  her  heart.  And 
she  beheld  Zeus  sitting  on  the  topmost  crest  of  many- 
fountained  Ida,  and  to  her  heart  he  was  hateful.  Then  she 
took  thought,  the  ox-eyed  lady  Hera,  how  she  might  beguile 
the  mind  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus.  And  this  seemed  to  her  in 
her  heart  to  be  the  best  counsel,  namely  to  fare  to  Ida,  when 
she  had  well  adorned  herself,  if  perchance  he  would  desire 
to  sleep  beside  her  and  embrace  her  body  in  love,  and  a 
sweet  sleep  and  a kindly  she  could  pour  on  his  eyelids  and 
his  crafty  wits.  And  she  set  forth  to  her  bower,  that  her  dear 
son  Hephaistos  had  fashioned,  and  therein  had  made  fast 
strong  doors  on  the  pillars,  with  a secret  bolt,  that  no  other 
god  might  open.  There  did  she  enter  in  and  closed  the  shin- 
ing doors.  With  ambrosia  first  did  she  cleanse  every  stain 
from  her  winsome  body,  and  anointed  her  with  olive  oil, 
ambrosial,  soft,  and  of  a sweet  savour ; if  it  were  but  shaken, 
in  the  bronze-floored  mansion  of  Zeus,  the  savour  thereof 
went  right  forth  to  earth  and  heaven.  Therewith  she  anointed 
her  fair  body,  and  combed  her  hair,  and  with  her  hands 
plaited  her  shining  tresses,  fair  and  ambrosial,  flowing  from 
her  immortal  head.  Then  she  clad  her  in  her  fragrant  robe 
that  Athene  wrought  delicately  for  her,  and  therein  set  many 


ILIAD  XIV,  1 79-2 1 2 


279 


things  beautifully  made,  and  fastened  it  over  her  breast  with 
clasps  of  gold.  And  she  girdled  it  with  a girdle  arrayed  with 
a hundred  tassels,  and  she  set  earrings  in  her  pierced  ears, 
earrings  of  three  drops,  and  glistering,  therefrom  shone  grace 
abundantly.  And  with  a veil  over  all  the  peerless  goddess 
veiled  herself,  a fair  new  veil,  bright  as  the  sun,  and  beneath 
her  shining  feet  she  bound  goodly  sandals.  But  when  she 
had  adorned  her  body  with  all  her  array,  she  went  forth  from 
her  bower,  and  called  Aphrodite  apart  from  the  other  gods, 
and  spake  to  her  saying : “ Wilt  thou  obey  me,  dear  child, 
in  that  which  I shall  tell  thee  ? or  wilt  thou  refuse,  with  a 
grudge  in  thy  heart,  because  I succour  the  Danaans,  and 
thou  the  Trojans?” 

Then  Aphrodite  the  daughter  of  Zeus  answered  her ; 
“ Hera,  goddess  queen,  daughter  of  mighty  Kronos,  say  the 
thing  that  is  in  thy  mind,  my  heart  bids  me  fulfil  it,  if  fulfil 
it  I may,  and  if  it  may  be  accomplished.” 

Then  with  crafty  purpose  the  lady  Hera  answered  her : 
“ Give  me  now  Love  and  Desire  wherewith  thou  dost  over- 
rule all  the  Immortals,  and  mortal  men.  For  I am  going 
:o  visit  the  limits  of  the  bountiful  Earth,  and  Okeanos, 
father  of  the  gods,  and  mother  Tethys,  who  reared  me 
veil  and  nourished  me  in  their  halls,  having  taken  me 
Tom  Rhea,  when  far-seeing  Zeus  imprisoned  Kronos  be- 
leath  the  earth  and  the  unvintaged  sea.  Them  am  I 
;oing  to  visit,  and  their  endless  strife  will  I loose,  for  already 
his  long  time  they  hold  apart  from  each  other,  apart  from 
ove  and  the  marriage  bed,  since  wrath  hath  settled  in  their 
learts.  If  with  words  I might  persuade  their  hearts,  and 
)ring  them  back  to  love  and  the  marriage  bed,  ever  should 
[ be  called  dear  to  them  and  worshipful” 

Then  laughter  - loving  Aphrodite  answered  her  again- 
‘It  may  not  be,  nor  seemly  were  it  to  deny  that  thou 


I 


280  ILIAD  XIV,  213-245 

askest,  for  thou  sleepest  in  the  arms  of  ZeuS,  the  chief  of 
gods.” 

Therewith  from  her  breast  she  loosed  the  broidered 
girdle,  fair -wrought,  wherein  are  all  her  enchantments; 
therein  are  love,  and  desire,  and  loving  converse,  that  steals 
the  wits  even  of  the  wise.  This  girdle  she  laid  in  her  hands, 
and  spake,  and  said : “ Lo  now,  take  this  girdle  and  lay  it 
up  in  thy  bosom,  this  fair-wrought  girdle,  wherein  all  things 
are  fashioned ; methinks  thou  wilt  not  return  with  that  un- 
accomplished, which  in  thy  heart  thou  desirest.” 

So  spake  she,  and  the  ox-eyed  lady  Hera  smiled,  and 
smiling  laid  up  the  zone  within  her  breast. 

Then  the  daughter  of  Zeus,  Aphrodite,  went  to  her 
house,  and  Hera,  rushing  down,  left  the  peak  of  Olympus, 
and  touched  on  Pieria  and  pleasant  Emathia,  and  sped  over 
the  snowy  hills  of  the  Thracian  horsemen,  even  over  the 
topmost  crests,  nor  grazed  the  ground  with  her  feet,  and 
from  Athos  she  fared  across  the  foaming  sea,  and  came  to 
Lemnos,  the  city  of  godlike  Thoas.  There  she  met  Sleep, 
the  brother  of  Death,  and  clasped  her  hand  in  his,  and  spake 
and  called  him  by  name  : “ Sleep,  lord  of  all  gods  and  of  all 
men,  if  ever  thou  didst  hear  my  word,  obey  me  again  even 
now,  and  I will  be  grateful  to  thee  always.  Lull  me,  I pray 
thee,  the  shining  eyes  of  Zeus  beneath  his  brows,  so  soon  as 
I have  laid  me  down  by  him  in  love.  And  gifts  I will  give 
to  thee,  even  a fair  throne,  imperishable  for  ever,  a golden 
throne,  that  Hephaistos  the  Lame,  mine  own  child,  shall 
fashion  skilfully,  and  will  set  beneath  it  a footstool  for  the 
feet,  for  thee  to  set  thy  shining  feet  upon,  when  thou  art 
at  a festival.” 

Then  sweet  Sleep  answered  her  and  said : “ Hera,  god- 
dess and  queen,  daughter  of  mighty  Kronos,  another  of  the 
eternal  gods  might  I lightly  lull  to  slumber,  yea,  were  it  the 


ILIAD  XIV,  246-276 


281 


streams  of  Okeanos  himself,  that  is  the  father  of  them  all. 
But  to  Zeus  the  son  of  Kronos  might  I not  draw  near,  nor  lull 
him  to  slumber,  unless  himself  commanded  it.  For  ere  now 
did  a behest  of  thine  teach  me  a lesson,  on  the  day  when  that 
famed  high-hearted  son  of  Zeus  sailed  from  Ilios,  when  he 
had  sacked  the  city  of  the  Trojans.  Then  verily  I lulled  the 
soul  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus,  with  my  sweet  influence  poured 
about  him,  and  thou  didst  contrive  evil  against  him  in  thy 
heart,  and  didst  rouse  over  the  sea  the  blasts  of  violent 
winds,  and  Herakles  thou  then  didst  bear  to  well-peopled 
Kos,  far  from  all  his  friends.  But  Zeus,  when  he  wakened, 
was  wrathful,  and  dashed  the  gods  about  his  mansion,  and 
me  above  all  he  sought,  and  he  would  have  cast  me  from 
the  upper  air  to  perish  in  the  deep,  if  Night  had  not  saved 
me,  Night,  that  subdues  both  gods  and  men.  To  her  I 
came  as  a suppliant  in  my  flight,  and  he  ceased  from  pur- 
suing, wrathful  as  he  was,  for  he  was  in  awe  of  doing  aught 
displeasing  to  swift  Night.  And  now  again  thou  biddest  me 
accomplish  this  other  task  that  may  not  be  accomplished.” 

Then  the  ox  - eyed  lady  Hera  answered  him  again : 
“Sleep,  wherefore  dost  thou  consider  these  things  in  thy 
heart?  dost  thou  deem  that  Zeus  of  the  far-borne  voice  will 
succour  the  Trojans  even  as  he  was  wroth  for  the  sake  of 
Herakles,  his  own  child  ? Nay  come,  and  I will  give  thee 
one  of  the  younger  of  the  Graces,  to  wed  and  to  be  called  thy 
wife  [even  Pasithea,  that  ever  thou  longest  for  all  thy  days].” 

So  she  spake,  and  Sleep  was  glad,  and  answered  and 
said  : “ Come  now,  swrear  to  me  by  the  inviolable  water  ol 
Styx,  and  with  one  of  thy  hands  grasp  the  bounteous  earth, 
and  with  the  other  the  shining  sea,  that  all  may  be  witnesses 
to  us,  even  all  the  gods  below  that  are  with  Kronos,  that 
verily  thou  wilt  give  me  one  of  the  younger  of  the  Graces, 
even  Pasithea,  that  myself  do  long  for  all  my  days.” 


282 


ILIAD  XIV,  272-306 


So  spake  he,  nor  did  she  disobey,  the  white-armed  god- 
dess Hera ; she  sware  as  he  bade  her,  and  called  all  the  gods 
by  name,  even  those  below  Tartaros  that  are  called  Titans. 
But  when  she  had  sworn  and  ended  that  oath,  the  twain 
left  the  citadel  of  Lemnos,  and  of  Imbros,  clothed  on  in 
mist,  and  swiftly  they  accomplished  the  way.  To  many-foun- 
tained  Ida  they  came,  the  mother  of  wild  beasts,  to  Lek- 
ton,  where  first  they  left  the  sea,  and  they  twain  fared  above 
the  dry  land,  and  the  topmost  forest  waved  beneath  their 
feet.  There  Sleep  halted,  ere  the  eyes  of  Zeus  beheld  him, 
and  alighted  on  a tall  pine  tree,  the  loftiest  pine  that 
then  in  all  Ida  rose  through  the  nether  to  the  upper  air. 
Therein  sat  he,  hidden  by  the  branches  of  the  pine,  in 
the  likeness  of  the  shrill  bird  that  on  the  mountains  the 
gods  call  chalkis , but  men  kymindis } But  Hera  swiftly  drew 
nigh  to  topmost  Gargaros,  the  highest  crest  of  Ida,  and  Zeus 
the  cloud -gatherer  beheld  her.  And  as  he  saw  her,  so 
love  came  over  his  deep  heart,  even  as  when  first  they 
mingled  with  each  other  in  delight,  and  went  together  to  the 
couch,  their  dear  parents  knowing  it  not.  And  he  stood 
before  her,  and  spoke,  and  said : “ Hera,  with  what  desire 
comest  thou  thus  hither  from  Olympus,  and  thy  horses  and 
chariot  are  not  here,  whereon  thou  mightst  ascend  ?” 

Then  with  crafty  purpose  lady  Hera  answered  him  : “ I 
am  going  to  visit  the  limits  of  the  bountiful  earth,  and  Oke- 
anos,  father  of  the  gods,  and  mother  Tethys,  who  reared 
me  well  and  cherished  me  in  their  halls.  Them  am  I going 
to  visit,  and  their  endless  strife  will  I loose,  for  already  this 
long  time  they  hold  apart  from  each  other,  from  love  and 
the  marriage  bed,  since  wrath  hath  settled  in  their  hearts. 

1 The  names  of  Night-jar,  Goat -sucker,  Doehawk,  and  Fern-owl 
are  given  in  Bewick  for  this  bird,  which  is  really  a kind  of  swift  — 
R.  W.  R, 


ILIAD  XIV,  307-340 


283 


But  my  horses  are  standing  at  the  foot  of  many-fountained 
Ida,  my  horses  that  shall  bear  me  over  wet  and  dry.  And 
now  it  is  because  of  thee  that  I am  thus  come  hither,  down 
from  Olympus,  lest  perchance  thou  mightest  be  wroth  with 
me  hereafter,  if  silently  I were  gone  to  the  mansion  of 
deep-flowing  Okeanos.” 

Then  Zeus,  the  gatherer  of  the  clouds,  answered  her  and 
said : “ Hera,  thither  mayst  thou  go  on  a later  day.  But 
come  let  us  twain  take  pleasure  in  the  bed  of  love.  For 
never  once  as  thus  did  the  love  of  goddess  or  woman  so 
mightily  overflow  and  conquer  the  heart  within  my  breast. 
Not  when  I loved  the  wife  of  Ixion,  who  bore  Pirithoos,  the 
peer  of  gods  in  counsel,  nor  when  I loved  Danae  of  the 
fair  ankles,  daughter  of  Akrisios,  who  bore  Perseus,  most 
renowned  of  all  men,  nor  when  I loved  the  famed  daughter 
of  Phoinix,  who  bore  me  Minos,  and  godlike  Rhadaman- 
thys,  nay,  nor  even  when  I loved  Semele,  nor  Alkmene  in 
Thebes,  and  she  bore  Herakles,  a child  hardy  of  heart,  but 
Semele  bore  Dionysos,  a delight  to  mortals,  nay,  nor  when 
I loved  the  fair-tressed  queen,  Demeter,  nor  renowned  Leto, 
nay,  nor  thy  very  self,  as  now  I love  thee,  and  sweet  desire 
possesses  me.” 

And  him  the  lady  Hera  answered  with  crafty  purpose : 
“ Most  dread  son  of  Kronos,  what  a word  thou  hast  spoken  ! 
If  now  thou  dost  long  to  be  couched  in  love  on  the  crests 
of  Ida,  and  all  stands  plain  to  view,  how  would  it  be  if  some 
one  of  the  eternal  gods  should  see  us  slumbering,  and  go 
and  tell  it  to  all  the  gods  ? It  is  not  I that  could  arise  from 
the  couch  and  go  again  to  thy  house,  nay,  it  would  be  a 
thing  for  righteous  anger.  But  if  thou  wilt,  and  it  is  dear  to 
thy  heart,  thou  hast  a chamber  that  thine  own  son  Hephaistos 
builded,  and  fastened  strong  doors  to  the  pillars,  thither  let 
us  go  and  lie  down,  if  the  couch  be  thy  desire.” 


2S4 


ILIAD  XIV,  341-374 


Then  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  answered  her  and  said 
“ Hera,  fear  not  lest  any  god,  or  any  man  should  spy  the 
thing,  so  great  a golden  cloud  will  I cast  all  over  thee.  Nay, 
methinks  not  even  the  sun  might  see  through  it,  the  sun, 
whose  light  is  keenest  of  all  to  behold.” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  son  of  Kronos  clasped  his  consort 
in  his  arms.  And  beneath  them  the  divine  earth  sent  forth 
fresh  new  grass,  and  dewy  lotus,  and  crocus,  and  hyacinth, 
thick  and  soft,  that  raised  them  aloft  from  the  ground. 
Therein  they  lay,  and  were  clad  on  with  a fair  golden  cloud, 
whence  fell  drops  of  glittering  dew. 

Thus  slept  the  Father  in  quiet  on  the  crest  of  Gargaros, 
by  Sleep  and  love  overcome,  with  his  bedfellow  in  his  arms. 
But  sweet  Sleep  started  and  ran  to  the  ships  of  the  Achaians, 
to  tell  his  tidings  to  the  god  that  holdeth  and  shaketh  the 
earth.  And  he  stood  near  him,  and  spake  winged  words : 
“ Eagerly  now,  Poseidon,  do  thou  aid  the  Danaans,  and  give 
them  glory  for  a little  space,  while  yet  Zeus  sleepeth,  for  over 
him  have  I shed  soft  slumber,  and  Hera  hath  beguiled  him 
to  couch  in  love.” 

So  he  spake,  and  passed  to  the  renowned  tribes  of  men, 
and  still  the  more  did  he  set  on  Poseidon  to  aid  the  Danaans, 
who  straightway  sprang  far  afront  of  the  foremost,  and  called 
to  them : “ Argives,  are  we  again  to  yield  the  victory  to 
Hector,  son  of  Priam,  that  he  may  take  our  ships  and  win 
renown  ? Nay,  even  so  he  saith  and  declareth  that  he  will 
do,  for  that  Achilles  by  the  hollow  ships  abides  angered  at 
heart.  But  for  him  there  will  be  no  such  extreme  regret,  if 
we  spur  us  on  to  aid  each  the  other.  Nay  come,  as  I com- 
mand, let  us  all  obey.  Let  us  harness  us  in  the  best  shields 
that  are  in  the  host,  and  the  greatest,  and  cover  our  heads 
with  shining  helms,  and  take  the  longest  spears  in  our  hands, 
and  so  go  forth.  Yea,  and  I will  lead  the  way,  and  methinks 


ILIAD  XIV,  375-406 


285 


that  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  will  not  long  await  us,  for  all  his 
eagerness.  And  whatsoever  man  is  steadfast  in  battle,  and 
hath  a small  buckler  on  his  shoulder,  let  him  give  it  to  a 
worse  man,  and  harness  him  in  a larger  shield.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  heard  hirn  eagerly  and  obeyed 
him.  And  them  the  kings  themselves  arrayed,  wounded  as 
they  were,  Tydeus’  son,  and  Odysseus,  and  Agamemnon, 
son  of  Atreus.  They  went  through  all  the  host,  and  made 
exchange  of  weapons  of  war.  The  good  arms  did  the  good 
warrior  harness  him  in,  the  worse  he  gave  to  the  worse. 
But  when  they  had  done  on  the  shining  bronze  about  their 
bodies,  they  started  on  the  march,  and  Poseidon  led  them, 
the  Shaker  of  the  earth,  with  a dread  sword  of  fine  edge  in 
his  strong  hand,  like  unto  lightning ; wherewith  it  is  not  per- 
mitted that  any  should  mingle  in  woful  war,  but  fear  holds 
men  afar  therefrom.  But  the  Trojans  on  the  other  side  was 
renowned  Hector  arraying.  Then  did  they  now  strain 
the  fiercest  strife  of  war,  even  dark-haired  Poseidon  and 
glorious  Hector,  one  succouring  the  Trojans,  the  other 
with  the  Argives.  And  the  sea  washed  up  to  the  huts 
and  ships  of  the  Argives,  and  they  gathered  together 
with  a mighty  cry.  Not  so  loudly  bellows  the  wave  of  the 
sea  against  the  land,  stirred  up  from  the  deep  by  the 
harsh  breath  of  the  north  wind,  nor  so  loud  is  the  roar  of 
burning  fire  in  the  glades  of  a mountain,  when  it  springs  to 
aurn  up  the  forest,  nor  calls  the  wind  so  loudly  in  the  high 
eafy  tresses  of  the  trees,  when  it  rages  and  roars  its  loudest, 
is  then  was  the  cry  of  the  Trojans  and  Achaians,  shouting 
Ireadfully  as  they  rushed  upon  each  other. 

First  glorious  Hector  cast  with  his  spear  at  Aias,  who 
vas  facing  him  full,  and  did  not  miss,  striking  him  where 
wo  belts  were  stretched  across  his  breast,  the  belt  of  his 
hield,  and  of  his  silver-studded  sword ; these  guarded  his 


286 


ILIAD  XIV,  407-436 


tender  flesh.  And  Hector  was  enraged  because  his  swift 
spear  had  flown  vainly  from  his  hand,  and  he  retreated  into 
the  throng  of  his  fellows,  avoiding  Fate. 

Then  as  he  was  departing  the  great  Telamonian  Aias 
smote  him  with  a huge  stone ; for  many  stones,  the  props 
of  swift  ships,  were  rolled  among  the  feet  of  the  fighters ; 
one  of  these  he  lifted,  and  smote  Hector  on  the  breast,  over 
the  shield-rim,  near  the  neck,  and  made  him  spin  like  a top 
with  the  blow,  that  he  reeled  round  and  round.  And  even 
as  when  an  oak  falls  uprooted  beneath  the  stroke  of  father 
Zeus,  and  a dread  savour  of  brimstone  arises  therefrom,  and 
whoso  stands  near  and  beholds  it  has  no  more  courage,  for 
dread  is  the  bolt  of  great  Zeus,  even  so  fell  mighty  Hector 
straightway  in  the  dust  And  the  spear  fell  from  his  hand, 
but  his  shield  and  helm  were  made  fast  to  him,  and  round 
him  rang  his  arms  adorned  with  bronze. 

Then  with  a loud  cry  they  ran  up,  the  sons  of  the 
Achaians,  hoping  to  drag  him  away,  and  they  cast  showers 
of  darts.  But  not  one  availed  to  wound  or  smite  the 
shepherd  of  the  host ; before  that  might  be  the  bravest 
gathered  about  him,  Polydamas,  and  Aineias,  and  goodly 
Agenor,  and  Sarpedon,  leader  of  the  Lykians,  and  noble 
Glaukos,  and  of  the  rest  not  one  was  heedless  of  him,  but 
they  held  their  round  shields  in  front  of  him,  and  his  comrades 
lifted  him  in  their  arms,  and  bare  him  out  of  the  battle,  till 
he  reached  his  swift  horses  that  were  standing  waiting  for 
him,  with  the  charioteer  and  the  fair-dight  chariot  at  the 
rear  of  the  combat  and  the  war.  These  toward  the  city 
bore  him  heavily  moaning.  Now  when  they  came  to  the 
ford  of  the  fair-flowing  river,  of  eddying  Xanthos,  that 
immortal  Zeus  begat,  there  they  lifted  him  from  the  chariot 
to  the  ground,  and  poured  water  over  him,  and  he  gat  back 
his  breath,  and  looked  up  with  his  eyes,  and  sitting  on  his 


ILIAD  XIV,  437-469 


287 


heels  kneeling,  he  vomited  black  blood.  Then  again  he 
sank  back  on  the  ground,  and  black  night  covered  his  eyes, 
the  stroke  still  conquering  his  spirit 

Now  the  Argives  when  they  saw  Hector  departed  rushed 
yet  the  more  upon  the  Trojans,  and  were  mindful  of  the 
delight  of  battle.  There  far  the  foremost  did  swift  Aias, 
son  of  Oileus,  leap  on  Satnios,  son  of  Enops,  and  wounded 
him  with  his  sharp  spear;  Satnios  whom  the  fair  Naiad- 
nymph  bore  to  Enops  as  he  herded  his  flocks  by  the  banks 
of  Satnioeis.  Him  did  the  spear-famed  son  of  Oileus  draw 
nigh,  and  wounded  him  on  the  flank,  and  he  fell,  and  round 
him  did  Trojans  and  Danaans  join  in  strong  battle.  Then 
to  his  aid  came  Polydamas,  the  wielder  of  the  spear,  son 
of  Panthoos,  and  smote  Prothoenor  on  the  right  shoulder, 
Prothoenor,  son  of  Areilykos,  and  through  his  shoulder  went 
the  mighty  spear,  and  he  fell  in  the  dust,  and  clutched  the 
earth  with  his  palm.  And  Polydamas  boasted  over  him 
terribly,  crying  aloud  : “ Verily  methinks  that  again  from  the 
strong  hand  of  the  high-hearted  son  of  Panthoos,  the  spear 
hath  not  leaped  in  vain.  Nay,  one  of  the  Argives  hath 
caught  it  in  his  flesh,  and  leaning  thereon  for  a staff,  me- 
thinks that  he  will  go  down  within  the  house  of  Hades.” 

So  spake  he,  and  sorrow  came  on  the  Argives  by  reason 
of  his  boasting.  And  chiefly  he  roused  the  wrath  of  the 
wise  son  of  Telamon,  Aias,  for  the  man  fell  close  by  him. 
Swiftly  he  cast  at  the  other,  as  he  departed,  with  his  shining 
spear.  And  Polydamas  himself  avoided  black  Fate,  starting 
to  one  side,  but  Archelochos,  son  of  Antenor,  received  the 
spear,  for  the  gods  had  willed  his  death.  Him  the  spear 
struck  at  the  meeting  of  th'e  head  and  neck,  on  the  last 
joint  of  the  spine,  and  cut  in  twain  both  the  tendons.  And 
his  head,  and  mouth,  and  nose,  as  he  fell,  reached  the  earth 
long  before  his  legs  and  knees,  and  Aias  again  shouted  to 


288 


ILIAD  XIV,  470-501 


noble  Polydamas : “ Consider,  Polydamas,  and  tell  me 
truly,  whether  thou  sayst  not  that  this  man  is  worth  slaying 
in  place  of  Prothoenor:he  seems  to  me  no  coward,  nor  bom 
of  cowards,  but  a brother  of  horse-taming  Antenor,  or  a 
child,  for  he  most  closely  favoureth  his  house.” 

So  he  spake,  knowing  the  truth  right  well,  and  sorrow 
seized  the  hearts  of  the  Trojans.  Then  Akamas  wounded 
Promachos  the  Boiotian  with  his  spear,  from  where  he  stood 
above  his  brother,  that  Promachos  was  dragging  away  by  the 
feet.  Over  him  Akamas  boasted  terribly,  shouting  aloud : 
“Ye  Argive  bowmen,  insatiate  of  threats,  verily  not  for  us 
alone  shall  there  be  struggle  and  toil,  nay,  but  even  as  we 
shall  ye  likewise  perish.  Consider  how  your  Promachos 
sleepeth,  vanquished  by  my  spear,  that  my  brother’s  blood- 
price  may  not  be  long  unpaid.  Even  for  this  it  is  that  a 
man  may  well  pray  to  leave  some  kinsman  in  his  halls,  that 
will  avenge  his  fall.” 

So  he  spake,  and  sorrow  came  on  the  Argives  at  his 
boast.  And  chiefly  he  stirred  the  heart  of  the  wise  Peneleos, 
who  made  for  Akamas,  and  Akamas  abode  not  the  onset  of 
the  prince  Peneleos.  But  Peneleos  wounded  Ilioneus,  the 
son  of  Phorbas,  rich  in  herds,  that  Hermes  loved  most  dearly 
of  all  the  Trojans,  and  gave  him  wealth.  Now  his  mother 
bare  Ilioneus,  an  only  child,  to  Phorbas.  Him  did  Pene- 
leos wound  beneath  the  brows,  at  the  bases  of  the  eye,  and 
drave  out  the  eyeball,  and  the  spear  went  clean  through  the 
eye  and  through  the  nape  of  the  neck,  and  he  fell  back, 
stretching  out  both  his  hands.  And  Peneleos,  drawing 
forth  his  sharp  sword,  smote  him  on  the  middle  of  the  neck, 
and  smote  off"  even  to  the  ground  the  head  with  the  helmet, 
and  still  the  strong  spear  stood  in  the  eye,  and  lifting  it 
up  like  a poppy  head,  he  showed  it  to  the  Trojans,  and 
spoke  his  boastful  words  : “ Ye  Trojans,  I pray  you  bid  the 


ILIAD  XIV,  502-522 


289 


dear  father  and  the  mother  of  proud  Ilioneus  to  wail  in  their 
halls,  for  neither  will  the  wife  of  Promachos,  son  of  Alege- 
nor,  rejoice  in  her  dear  husband’s  coming,  in  that  hour  when 
we  youths  of  the  Achaians  return  with  our  ships  out  of  Troy- 
land.” 

So  he  spake,  and  fear  fell  on  the  limbs  of  all  of  them ; 
and  each  man  looked  about  to  see  where  he  might  flee 
sheer  destruction. 

Tell  me  now,  ye  Muses,  that  dwell  in  the  mansions  of 
Olympus,  who  was  the  first  of  the  Achaians  to  lift  the 
aloody  spoils,  when  once  the  renowned  Shaker  of  the  earth 
:urned  the  battle. 

Verily  it  was  Aias,  son  of  Telamon,  that  first  wounded 
Hyrtios,  the  son  of  Gyrtias,  the  leader  of  the  Mysians  strong 
)f  heart,  and  Antilochos  stripped  the  spoils  from  Phalkes  and 
Vlermeros,  and  Meriones  slew  Morys  and  Hippotion,  and 
Teukros  slew  Prothoon  and  Periphetes,  and  next  Atreus’  son 
rounded  in  the  flank  Hyperenor,  the  shepherd  of  the  host, 
.nd  the  bronze  point  tore  through  and  let  out  the  entrails, 
nd  the  soul  through  the  stricken  wound  fled  hastily,  and 
larkness  covered  his  eyes.  But  most  men  did  Aias  slay, 
he  swift-footed  son  of  Oileus,  for  there  was  none  so  speedy 
f foot  as  he,  to  follow  when  men  fled,  when  Zeus  sent 
error  among  them. 


u 


l 


BOOK  XV. 


Zeus  awakening,  biddcth  Apollo  revive  Hector,  and  restore  the  fortune,' 
of  the  Trojans.  Fire  is  thrown  on  the  ship  of  Protesilaos. 

Now  when  they  had  sped  in  flight  across  the  palisadt 
and  trench,  and  many  were  overcome  at  the  hands  of  the 
Danaans,  the  rest  were  stayed,  and  abode  beside  the 
chariots  in  confusion,  and  pale  with  terror,  and  Zeu< 
awoke,  on  the  peaks  of  Ida,  beside  Hera  of  the  golder 
throne.  Then  he  leaped  up,  and  stood,  and  beheld  the 
Trojans  and  Achaians,  those  in  flight,  and  these  driving 
them  on  from  the  rear,  even  the  Argives,  and  among  their 
the  prince  Poseidon.  And  Hector  he  saw  lying  on  the 
plain,  and  around  him  sat  his  comrades,  and  he  was  gasping 
with  difficult  breath,  and  his  mind  wandering,  and  was  vomit 
ing  blood,  for  it  was  not  the  weakest  of  the  Achaians  tha 
had  smitten  him.  Beholding  him,  the  father  of  men  ane 
gods  had  pity  on  him,  and  terribly  he  spoke  to  Hera,  wit! 
fierce  look  : “ O thou  ill  to  deal  with,  Hera,  verily  it  is  th; 
crafty  wile  that  has  made  noble  Hector  cease  from  th< 
fight,  and  has  terrified  the  host.  Nay,  but  yet  I know  no 
whether  thou  mayst  not  be  the  first  to  reap  the  fruits  of  th; 
cruel  treason,  and  I beat  thee  with  stripes.  Dost  thou  no 
remember,  when  thou  wert  hung  from  on  high,  and  from  th 
feet  I suspended  two  anvils,1  and  round  thy  hands  fastened 
golden  bond  that  might  not  be  broken  ? And  thou  didst  haD 
1 Or,  “ thunderbolts  ” ; Le.  meteoric  stones. 


ILIAD  XV,  20-52 


291 


in  the  clear  air  and  the  clouds,  and  the  gods  were  wroth  in 
high  Olympus,  but  they  could  not  come  round  and  unloose 
thee.  Nay,  whomsoever  I might  take,  I would  clutch,  and 
throw  from  the  threshold,  to  come  fainting  to  the  earth,  yet 
verily  not  even  so  did  the  ceaseless  sorrow  leave  my  soul  free  : 
sorrow  for  godlike  Herakles.  Him  didst  thou  drive,  when 
thou  hadst  suborned  the  tempest,  with  the  help  of  the  North 
Wind,  over  the  unvintaged  deep,  out  of  thine  evil  counsel, 
and  then  didst  carry  him  away  to  well-peopled  Kos.  Him 
did  I rescue  thence,  and  lead  again  to  Argos,  the  pasture- 
land  of  horses,  after  his  much  labour.  Of  these  things  will 
I mind  thee  again,  that  thou  mayst  cease  from  thy  wiles,  that 
thou  mayst  know  if  it  profit  thee  at  all,  the  dalliance  and  the 
love,  wherein  thou  didst  lie  with  me,  when  thou  hadst  come 
from  among  the  gods,  and  didst  beguile  me.” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  ox-eyed  lady  Hera  shuddered,  and 

I spake  unto  him  winged  words,  saying  : “ Let  earth  now  be 
witness  hereto,  and  wide  heaven  above,  and  that  falling 
water  of  Styx,  the  greatest  oath  and  the  most  terrible  to 
the  blessed  gods,  and  thine  own  sacred  head,  and  our 
own  bridal  bed,  whereby  never  would  I forswear  myself, 
that  not  by  my  will  does  earth-shaking  Poseidon  trouble 
the  Trojans  and  Hector,  and  succour  them  of  the  other 
part.  Nay,  it  is  his  own  soul  that  urgeth  and  commandeth 
him,  and  he  had  pity  on  the  Achaians,  when  he  beheld 
them  hard  pressed  beside  the  ships.  I would  even  counsel 
him  also  to  go  even  where  thou,  lord  of  the  storm-cloud, 
mayst  lead  him.” 

So  spake  she,  and  the  father  of  gods  and  men  smiled,  and 
answering  her  he  spake  winged  words  : “ If  thou,  of  a truth, 
0 ox-eyed  lady  Hera,  wouldst  hereafter  abide  of  one  mind 
with  me  among  the  immortal  gods,  thereon  would  Poseidon, 
howsoever  much  his  wish  be  contrariwise,  quickly  turn  hi« 


292 


ILIAD  XV,  52-85 


mind  otherwhere,  after  thy  heart  and  mine.  But  if  indeed 
thou  speakest  the  truth  and  soothly,  go  thou  now  among  the 
tribes  of  the  gods,  and  call  Iris  to  come  hither,  and  Apollo, 
the  renowned  archer,  that  Iris  may  go  among  the  host  of 
mail-clad  Achaians  and  tell  Poseidon  the  prince  to  cease  from 
the  war,  and  get  him  unto  his  own  house.  But  let  Phoebus 
Apollo  spur  Hector  on  to  the  war,  and  breathe  strength  into 
him  again,  and  make  him  forget  his  anguish,  that  now  wears 
down  his  heart,  and  drive  the  Achaians  back  again,  when  he 
hath  stirred  in  them  craven  fear.  Let  them  flee  and  fall 
among  the  many-benched  ships  of  Achilles  son  of  Peleus, 
and  he  shall  rouse  his  own  comrade,  Patroklos ; and  him 
shall  renowned  Hector  slay  with  the  spear,  in  front  of  Ilios, 
after  that  he  has  slain  many  other  youths,  and  among  them 
my  son,  noble  Sarpedon.  In  wrath  therefor  shall  goodly 
Achilles  slay  Hector.  From  that  hour  verily  will  I cause  a 
new  pursuit  from  the  ships,  that  shall  endure  continually,  even 
until  the  Achaians  take  steep  Ilios,  through  the  counsels  of 
Athene.  But  before  that  hour  neither  do  I cease  in  my 
wrath,  nor  will  I suffer  any  other  of  the  Immortals  to  help 
the  Danaans  there,  before  I accomplish  that  desire  of  the 
son  of  Peleus,  as  I promised  him  at  the  first,  and  confirmed 
the  same  with  a nod  of  my  head,  on  that  day  when  the 
goddess  Thetis  clasped  my  knees,  imploring  me  to  honour 
Achilles,  the  sacker  of  cities.” 

So  spake  he,  nor  did  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera  dis- 
obey him,  and  she  sped  down  from  the  hills  of  Ida  to  high 
Olympus.  And  even  as  when  the  mind  of  a man  darts 
speedily,  of  one  that  hath  travelled  over  far  lands,  and  con- 
siders in  his  wise  heart,  “ Would  that  I were  here  or  there,” 
and  he  thinketh  him  of  many  things,  so  swiftly  fled  she  in  her 
eagerness,  the  lady  Hera,  and  came  to  steep  Olympus,  and 
went  among  the  gathering  of  the  immortal  gods  in  the  house 


ILIAD  XV,  85-116 


293 


of  Zeus,  and  when  they  beheld  her  they  all  rose  up  together, 
and  held  out  their  cups  to  her  in  welcome.  The  others  she 
left  alone,  but  took  the  cup  of  Themis  of  the  fair  cheeks,  for 
she  was  the  first  that  came  running  to  meet  her,  and  speak- 
ing winged  words  accosted  her  : “ Hera,  wherefore  hast  thou 
come  ? thou  seemest  like  one  confounded  ; verily  the  son  of 
Kronos  hath  made  thee  adread,  thine  own  husband” 

Then  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera  answered  her, saying: 
“ Ask  me  not  concerning  this,  O goddess  Themis  ; thyself 
knowest  it,  how  overweening  is  his  heart,  and  unyielding. 
But  do  thou  begin  the  equal  banquet  of  the  gods  in  the  halls, 
and  thus  shalt  thou  hear  among  all  the  Immortals,  even  what 
evil  deeds  Zeus  declareth.  Nay,  methinks,  not  equally  will 
it  delight  the  minds  of  all,  neither  of  gods  nor  mortals,  if 
even  now  any  still  sit  with  pleasure  at  the  feast." 

So  spake  the  lady  Hera,  and  sat  her  down,  while  the  gods 
were  heavy  at  heart  in  the  hall  of  Zeus.  And  she  laughed 
with  her  lips,  but  her  forehead  above  her  dark  brows  was  not 
gladdened,  and  indignantly  she  spake  among  them  all : “ Wit- 
less that  we  are  to  be  wroth  in  our  folly  against  Zeus  1 Even 
still  we  are  eager  to  draw  nigh  to  him,  and  let  him  from  his 
will,  by  word  or  deed,  but  he  sits  apart  and  careth  not,  nor 
takes  any  thought  thereof,  for  he  deems  that  among  the  im- 
mortal gods  he  is  manifestly  pre-eminent  in  force  and  might. 
Wherefore  do  ye  content  yourselves  with  whatsoever  sorrow 
he  sends  on  each  of  you.  Already,  methinks,  has  sorrow 
been  wrought  for  Ares,  for  his  son  has  fallen  in  the  fight, 
even  the  dearest  of  men,  Askalaphos,  that  dread  Ares 
deemeth  to  be  verily  his  own.” 

So  spake  she,  but  Ares  smote  his  strong  thighs  with  his 
hands  flatlings,  and  sorrowing  he  spake  : “ Hold  me  not 
now  to  blame,  ye  that  keep  the  mansions  of  Olympus,  if 
I avenge  the  slaying  of  my  son,  and  go  to  the  ships  of  the 


ILIAD  XV,  116-148 


294 

Achaians,  even  if  it  be  my  doom  to  be  smitten  with  the  bolt 
of  Zeus,  and  he  among  the  dead,  in  the  dust  and  blood.” 

So  spake  he,  and  bade  yoke  his  horses,  Fear  and  Dread, 
and  himself  did  on  his  shining  harness.  Thereby  would  yet 
a greater  and  more  implacable  wrath  and  anger  have  been 
caused  between  Zeus  and  the  Immortals,  had  not  Athene, 
in  terror  for  the  sake  of  all  the  gods,  leaped  out  through  the 
doorway,  and  left  the  throne  wherein  she  sat,  and  taken  from 
Ares’  head  the  helmet,  and  the  shield  from  his  shoulders, 
and  drawn  the  spear  of  bronze  from  his  stalwart  hand, 
and  set  it  apart,  and  then  with  words  she  rebuked  the  im- 
petuous Ares:  “Mad  that  thou  art,  and  distraught  of  wit — this 
is  thy  bane  ! Verily  thou  hast  ears  and  hearest  not,  and 
perished  have  thine  understanding  and  thine  awe.  Hearest 
thou  not  what  she  saith,  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera,  that 
even  now  is  come  from  Olympian  Zeus  ? Dost  thou  wish 
both  thyself  to  fill  up  the  measure  of  mischief  and  so  return 
to  Olympus  ruefully,  of  necessity,  and  for  all  the  other  gods 
to  sow  the  seed  of  a great  wrong  ? For  straightway  will 
he  leave  the  high-hearted  Trojans  and  the  Achaians,  and 
to  us  will  he  come  to  make  tumult  in  Olympus  : and  he 
will  clutch  us  each  in  turn,  the  blameless  with  the  guilty. 
Wherefore  now  again  I bid  thee  to  abate  thine  anger  for  thy 
son,  for  already  many  a man  stronger  than  he,  and  more 
hardy  of  his  hands,  has  fallen,  or  yet  will  fall ; and  a hard 
thing  it  is  to  save  the  lineage  and  offspring  of  all  men.” 

So  spake  she,  and  made  impetuous  Ares  sit  down  on  his 
throne.  But  Hera  called  Apollo  without  the  hall,  and  Iris, 
that  is  the  messenger  of  the  immortal  gods,  and  she  spake 
winged  words,  and  addressed  them,  saying  : “ Zeus  bids  you 
go  to  Ida  as  swiftly  as  may  be,  and  when  ye  have  gone,  and 
looked  on  the  face  of  Zeus,  do  ye  whatsoever  he  shall  ordei 
and  command.” 


ILIAD  XV,  149-182 


295 


So  spake  she,  and  returned  again,  the  lady  Hera,  and 
sat  down  on  her  throne,  and  they  flew  forward  speedily,  and 
ame  to  many-fountained  Ida,  mother  of  wild  beasts,  and 
found  far-seeing  Zeus  seated  on  topmost  Gargaros,  and  round 
aim  a fragrant  cloud  was  circled  like  a crown.  And  these 
wain  came  before  the  face  of  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer,  and 
jtood  there,  and  he  was  no  wise  displeased  at  heart  when  he 
jeheld  them,  for  that  speedily  they  had  obeyed  the  words  of 
lis  dear  wife.  And  to  Iris  first  he  spake  winged  words:  “Go, 
;et  thee,  swift  Iris,  to  the  prince  Poseidon,  and  tell  him  all 
hese  things,  nor  be  a false  messenger.  Command  him  to 
:ease  from  war  and  battle,  and  to  go  among  the  tribes  of  the 
,ods,  or  into  the  bright  sea.  But  if  he  will  not  obey  my  words, 
>ut  will  hold  me  in  no  regard,  then  let  him  consider  in  his 
ieart  and  mind,  lest  he  dare  not  for  all  his  strength  to  abide 
ae  when  I come  against  him,  since  I deem  me  to  be  far 
aightier  than  he,  and  elder  born.  But  this  his  heart  feareth 
ot, — to  call  himself  the  peer  of  me  whom  even  the  other 
ods  do  hold  in  dread.” 

So  spake  he,  nor  did  the  wind-footed  fleet  Iris  disobey 
im,  but  went  down  the  hills  of  Ida  to  sacred  Ilios.  And  as 
■hen  snow  or  chill  hail  fleets  from  the  clouds  beneath  the 
aess  of  the  North  Wind  born  in  the  clear  air,  so  fleetly 
re  fled  in  her  eagerness,  swift  Iris,  and  drew  near  the 
jnowned  Earth-shaker  and  spake  to  him,  saying  : “ A cer- 
lin  message  to  thee,  O dark-haired  embracer  of  the  earth, 
ave  I come  hither  to  bring  from  aegis-bearing  Zeus.  He 
iddeth  thee  cease  from  the  battle  and  war,  and  go  among  the 
ibes  of  the  gods,  or  into  the  bright  sea.  And  if  thou  wilt  not 
aey  his  word,  but  wilt  hold  him  in  no  regard,  he  threatens 
iat  even  himself  will  come  hither  against  thee  in  battle,  and 
: biddeth  thee  avoid  thee  out  of  his  hands,  since  he 
iemeth  him  far  mightier  than  thou,  and  elder  born,  but 


296 


ILIAD  XV,  183-211 


thy  heart  feareth  not  to  call  thyself  the  peer  of  him  whom 
even  the  other  gods  do  hold  in  dread.” 

Then,  in  great  displeasure  the  renowned  Shaker  of  the 
earth  answered  her  : “ Out  on  it,  verily  now,  for  as  strong 
as  he  is,  he  hath  spoken  over-haughtily,  if  indeed  he  will 
subdue  by  force,  against  my  will,  me  that  am  his  equal  in 
honour.  For  three  brethren  are  we,  and  sons  of  Kronos,  whom 
Rhea  bare,  Zeus,  and  myself,  and  Hades  is  the  third,  the 
ruler  of  the  folk  in  the  under-world.  And  in  three  lots  are 
all  things  divided,  and  each  drew  a domain  of  his  own, 
and  to  me  fell  the  hoary  sea,  to  be  my  habitation  for  ever, 
when  we  shook  the  lots  : and  Hades  drew  the  murky  dark- 
ness, and  Zeus  the  wide  heaven,  in  clear  air  and  clouds,  but 
the  earth  and  high  Olympus  are  yet  common  to  all.  Where- 
fore no  whit  will  I walk  after  the  will  of  Zeus,  but  quietly  let 
him  abide,  for  all  his  strength,  in  his  third  portion.  And  with 
the  might  of  his  hands  let  him  not  strive  to  terrify  me  withal, 
as  if  I were  a coward.  Better  for  him  were  it  to  threaten 
with  terrible  words  his  daughters  and  his  sons,  that  himself 
begat,  who  will  perforce  listen  to  whatso  he  enjoins.” 

Then  the  fleet  wind-footed  Iris  answered  him  : “ Is  it 
indeed  thy  will,  O dark-haired  embracer  of  the  earth,  that  even 
thus  I shall  carry  to  Zeus  this  message,  hard  and  froward,  ot 
wilt  thou  turn  thee  at  all,  for  the  hearts  of  the  good  may  be 
turned?  Thou  knowest  how  the  Erinyes  do  always  follow 
to  aid  the  elder-born.” 

Then  he  answered  her  again,  Poseidon,  the  Shaker  of 
the  earth : “ Goddess  Iris,  most  duly  hast  thou  spoken 
this  word.  Yea,  an  excellent  thing  is  this,  when  the  bearer 
of  a message  has  a prudent  wit.  Yet  this  is  a terrible  grief 
that  cometh  on  heart  and  spirit,  whenso  any  desireth  to  up- 
braid with  angry  words  his  peer  to  whom  fate  hath  assigned 
an  equal  share  with  himself.  But  verily  now  will  I yield,  for 


ILIAD  XV,  212-242 


297 


all  mine  anger ; but  another  thing  will  I tell  thee,  and  make 
this  threat  in  my  heart,  that  if  against  my  will,  and  the  will 
of  Athene,  the  driver  of  the  prey,  and  of  Hera  and  Hermes, 
and  prince  Hephaistos,  Zeus  shall  spare  steep  Ilios,  nor 
choose  utterly  to  destroy  it,  and  give  great  might  to  the 
Argives,  let  him  know  this,  that  our  wrath  will  be  inap- 
peasable.” 

So  spake  the  Shaker  of  the  earth,  and  left  the  host  of  the 
Achaians,  and  passed  to  the  sea,  and  sank,  and  sorely  they 
missed  him,  the  heroes  of  the  Achaians. 

Then  Zeus,  the  gatherer  of  the  clouds,  spake  to  Apollo, 
saying : “ Go  now,  dear  Phoebus,  to  Hector  of  the  helm  of 
bronze,  for,  lo,  already  the  embracer  of  the  world,  the  Earth- 
shaker,  is  gone  to  the  bright  sea,  shunning  our  utter  wrath,  ay, 
and  had  he  not  done  so,  even  the  others  would  have  heard 
of  our  strife,  even  the  gods  of  the  nether  world,  that  are  with 
Kronos.  But  better  far  is  this,  both  for  me,  and  for  him, 
that,  despite  his  wrath,  he  should  yield  to  my  hands,  for  not 
without  sweat  would  this  strife  have  been  accomplished.  But 
do  thou  take  in  thy  hands  the  tasselled  aegis,  and  shake  it 
fiercely  and  affright  the  Achaian  heroes.  But,  thou  Archer- 
God,  let  glorious  Hector  be  thy  care,  and  rouse  in  him 
great  wrath  even  till  the  Achaians  come  in  their  flight  to  the 
ships,  and  the  Hellespont  And  from  that  moment  will  I 
devise  word  and  deed  wherewithal  the  Achaians  may  take 
breath  again  from  their  toil.” 

So  spake  he,  nor  was  Apollo  deaf  to  the  word  of  the 
Father,  but  he  went  down  the  hills  of  Ida  like  a fleet  falcon, 
the  bane  of  doves,  that  is  the  swiftest  of  flying  things.  And 
he  found  the  son  of  wise-hearted  Priam,  noble  Hector,  sitting 
up,  no  longer  lying,  for  he  had  but  late  got  back  his  life,  and 
knew  the  comrades  around  him,  and  his  gasping  and  his 
sweat  had  ceased,  from  the  moment  when  the  will  of  aegis- 


298 


ILIAD  XV,  242-273 


bearing  Zeus  began  to  revive  him.  Then  far-darting  Apollo 
stood  near  him,  and  spake  to  him  : “ Hector,  son  of  Priam, 
why  dost  thou  sit  fainting  apart  from  the  others?  Is  it 
perchance  that  some  trouble  cometh  upon  thee  ?” 

Then,  with  faint  breath  answered  him  Hector  of  the  glanc- 
ing helm : “Nay,  but  who  art  thou,  best  of  the  gods,  who 
enquirest  of  me  face  to  face  ? Dost  thou  not  know  that  by 
the  hindmost  row  of  the  ships  of  the  Achaians,  Aias  of  the 
loud  war-cry  smote  me  on  the  breast  with  a stone,  as  I was 
slaying  his  comrades,  and  made  me  cease  from  mine  im- 
petuous might  ? And  verily  I deemed  that  this  very  day  I 
should  pass  to  the  dead,  and  the  house  of  Hades,  when  I 
had  gasped  my  life  away.” 

Then  prince  Apollo  the  Far-darter  answered  him  again : 
“ Take  courage  now,  so  great  an  ally  hath  the  son  of 
Kronos  sent  thee  out  of  Ida,  to  stand  by  thee  and  defend 
thee,  even  Phoebus  Apollo  of  the  golden  sword,  me  who  of 
old  defend  thee,  thyself  and  the  steep  citadel.  But  come 
now  bid  thy  many  charioteers  drive  their  swift  steeds  against 
the  hollow  ships,  and  I will  go  before  and  make  smooth  all 
the  way  for  the  chariots,  and  will  put  to  flight  the  Achaian 
heroes.” 

So  he  spake,  and  breathed  great  might  into  the  shepherd 
of  the  host,  and  even  as  when  a stalled  horse,  full  fed  at 
the  manger,  breaks  his  tether  and  speedeth  at  the  gallop 
over  the  plain  exultingly,  being  wont  to  bathe  in  the  fair-flow- 
ing stream,  and  holds  his  head  on  high,  and  the  mane  fioweth 
about  his  shoulders,  and  he  trusteth  in  his  glory,  and  nimbly 
his  knees  bear  him  to  the  haunts  and  pasture  of  the  mares, 
even  so  Hector  lightly  moved  his  feet  and  knees,  urging  on 
his  horsemen,  when  he  heard  the  voice  of  the  god.  But  as 
when  hounds  and  country  folk  pursue  a homed  stag,  or  a 
wild  goat,  that  steep  rock  and  shady  wood  save  from  them, 


ILIAD  XV,  274-305 


299 


nor  is  it  their  lot  to  find  him,  but  at  their  clamour  a bearded 
lion  hath  shown  himself  on  the  way,  and  lightly  turned  them 
all  despite  their  eagerness,  even  so  the  Danaans  for  a while 
followed  on  always  in  their  companies,  smiting  with  swords 
and  double-pointed  spears,  but  when  they  saw  Hector  going 
up  and  down  the  ranks  of  men,  then  were  they  afraid,  and 
the  hearts  of  all  fell  to  their  feet. 

Then  to  them  spake  Thoas,  son  of  Andraimon,  far  the 
best  of  the  Aitolians,  skilled  in  throwing  the  dart,  and  good 
in  close  fight,  and  in  council  did  few  of  the  Achaians  surpass 
him,  when  the  young  men  were  striving  in  debate ; with  good 
intent  he  made  harangue  and  spake  among  them  : “ Alas, 
and  verily  a great  marvel  is  this  I behold  with  mine  eyes, 
how  he  hath  again  arisen,  and  hath  avoided  the  Fates, 
even  Hector.  Surely  each  of  us  hoped  in  his  heart,  that  he 
had  died  beneath  the  hand  of  Aias,  son  of  Telamon.  But 
some  one  of  the  gods  again  hath  delivered  and  saved 
Hector,  who  verily  hath  loosened  the  knees  of  many  of  the 
Danaans,  as  methinks  will  befall  even  now,  for  not  without 
the  will  of  loud -thundering  Zeus  doth  he  rise  in  the  front 
ranks,  thus  eager  for  battle.  But  come,  as  I declare  let  us 
all  obey.  Let  us  bid  the  throng  turn  back  to  the  ships, 
but  let  us  as  many  as  avow  us  to  be  the  best  in  the  host, 
take  our  stand,  if  perchance  first  we  may  meet  him,  and  hold 
him  off  with  outstretched  spears,  and  he,  methinks,  for  all 
his  eagerness,  will  fear  at  heart  to  enter  into  the  press  of  the 
Danaans.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  heard  him  eagerly,  and  obeyed 
him.  They  that  were  with  Aias  and  the  prince  Idomeneus, 
and  Teukros,  and  Meriones,  and  Meges  the  peer  of  Ares, 
called  to  all  the  best  of  the  warriors  and  sustained  the  fight 
with  Hector  and  the  Trojans,  but  behind  them  the  multitude 
returned  to  the  ships  of  the  Achaians. 


0°° 


ILIAD  XV,  306-336 

Now  the  Trojans  drave  forward  in  close  ranks,  and  with 
long  strides  Hector  led  them,  while  in  front  of  him  went 
Phoebus  Apollo,  his  shoulders  wTapped  in  cloud,  and  still  he 
held  the  fell  aegis,  dread,  circled  with  a shaggy  fringe,  and 
gleaming,  that  Hephaistos  the  smith  gave  to  Zeus,  to  bear 
for  the  terror  of  men ; with  this  in  his  hands  did  he  lead 
the  host. 

Now  the  Argives  abode  them  in  close  ranks,  and  shrill 
the  cry  arose  on  both  sides,  and  the  arrows  leaped  from  the 
bow-strings,  and  many  spears  from  stalwart  hands,  whereof 
some  stood  fast  in  the  flesh  of  young  men  swift  in  fight, 
but  many  halfway,  ere  ever  they  reached  the  white  flesh, 
stuck  in  the  ground,  longing  to  glut  themselves  with 
flesh.  Now  so  long  as  Phoebus  Apollo  held  the  aegis  un- 
moved in  his  hands,  so  long  the  darts  smote  either  side 
amain,  and  the  folk  fell.  But  when  he  looked  face  to 
face  on  the  Danaans  of  the  swift  steeds,  and  shook  the 
aegis,  and  himself  shouted  mightily,  he  quelled  their  heart 
in  their  breast,  and  they  forgot  their  impetuous  valour. 
And  as  when  two  wild  beasts  drive  in  confusion  a herd 
of  kine,  or  a great  flock  of  sheep,  in  the  dark  hour  of  black 
night,  coming  swiftly  on  them  when  the  herdsman  is  not  by, 
even  so  were  the  Achaians  terror-stricken  and  strengthless, 
for  Apollo  sent  a panic  among  them,  but  still  gave  renown 
to  the  Trojans  and  Hector. 

Then  man  fell  upon  man,  when  the  close  fight  was  scat- 
tered. Hector  slew  Stichios,  and  Arkesilaos,  one  a leader 
of  the  mail-clad  Boiotians,  the  other  the  true  comrade 
of  great-hearted  Menestheus.  And  Aineias  slew  Medon 
and  Iasos,  whereof  one  was  the  bastard  son  of  divine 
Oileus,  even  Medon,  brother  of  Aias,  but  he  dwelt  in 
Phylake,  far  from  his  own  country,  for  that  he  had  slain  a 
man  the  brother  of  his  stepmother  Eriopis,  the  wife  of  Oileus. 


ILIAD  XV,  337-366 


301 


But  Iasos  was  a leader  of  the  Athenians,  and  was  called  the 
>on  of  Sphelos,  the  son  of  Boukolos.  And  Polydamas  slew 
Mfekisteus,  and  Polites  Echios  in  the  forefront  of  the  battle, 
ind  noble  Agenor  overcame  Klonios.  And  Deiocbos  as  he 
«as  flying  among  the  fighters  in  the  foremost  rank  Paris 
smote  behind  the  lower  part  of  the  shoulder,  and  drave  the 
aronze  clean  through. 

Now  while  they  were  stripping  the  spoil  from  these,  even 
:hen  the  Achaians  were  dashing  into  the  delved  fosse,  and 
against  the  palisade,  fleeing  hither  and  thither  in  their  ter- 
ror, and  were  driven  perforce  within  the  wall,  but  Hector 
called  with  a loud  shout  to  the  Trojans  : “ Make  ye  against 
;he  ships,  and  leave  the  bloody  spoils.  Whomsoever  I shall 
see  apart  from  the  ships  on  the  other  side,  his  death  will  I 
rhere  devise,  nor  forthwith  shall  his  kinsmen  and  kinswomen 
ay  him  dead  on  the  funeral  fire,  but  dogs  shall  tear  him  in 
front  of  our  citadel.” 

So  speaking  he  smote  his  horses  on  the  shoulder  with 
;he  lash,  and  called  aloud  on  the  Trojans  along  the  ranks. 
And  they  all  cried  out,  and  level  with  his  held  the  steeds 
,;hat  drew  their  chariots,  with  a marvellous  din,  and  in  front 
jf  them  Phoebus  Apollo  lightly  dashed  down  with  his  feet 
:he  banks  of  the  deep  ditch,  and  cast  them  into  the  midst 
hereof,  making  a bridgeway  long  and  wide  as  is  a spear- 
:ast,  when  a man  throws  to  make  trial  of  his  strength. 
Thereby  the  Trojans  poured  forward  in  their  battalions, 
vhile  in  their  van  Apollo  held  the  splendid  aegis.  And 
nost  easily  did  he  cast  down  the  wall  of  the  Achaians,  as 
vhen  a boy  scatters  the  sand  beside  the  sea,  first  making 
.and  buildings  for  sport  in  his  childishness,  and  then  again, 
n his  sport,  confounding  them  with  his  feet  and  hands;  even 
so  didst  thou,  archer  Apollo,  confound  the  long  toil  and 
abour  of  the  Argives,  and  among  them  rouse  a panic  fear. 


302 


ILIAD  XV,  367-399 


So  they  were  halting,  and  abiding  by  the  ships,  call- 
ing each  to  other ; and  lifting  their  hands  to  all  the  gods 
did  each  man  pray  vehemently,  and  chiefly  prayed  Gerenian 
Nestor,  the  Warden  of  the  Achaians,  stretching  his  hand 
towards  the  starry  heaven  : “ O father  Zeus,  if  ever  any  one 
of  us  in  wheat-bearing  Argos  did  burn  to  thee  fat  thighs  of 
bull  or  sheep,  and  prayed  that  he  might  return,  and  thou 
didst  promise  and  assent  thereto,  of  these  things  be  thou 
mindful,  and  avert,  Olympian,  the  pitiless  day,  nor  suffer  the 
Trojans  thus  to  overcome  the  Achaians.” 

So  spake  he  in  his  prayer,  and  Zeus,  the  Lord  of  counsel, 
thundered  loudly,  hearing  the  prayers  of  the  ancient  son  of 
Neleus. 

But  the  Trojans,  when  they  heard  the  thunder  of  aegis- 
bearing Zeus,  rushed  yet  the  more  eagerly  upon  the  Argives, 
and  were  mindful  of  the  joy  of  battle.  And  as  when  a great 
wave  of  the  wide  sea  sweeps  over  the  bulwarks  of  a ship,  the 
might  of  the  wind  constraining  it,  which  chiefly  swells  the 
waves,  even  so  did  the  Trojans  with  a great  cry  bound 
over  the  wall,  and  drave  their  horses  on,  and  at  the  hind- 
most row  of  the  ships  were  fighting  hand  to  hand  with 
double-pointed  spears,  the  Trojans  from  the  chariots,  but 
the  Achaians  climbing  up  aloft,  from  the  black  ships  with 
long  pikes  that  they  had  lying  in  the  ships  for  battle  at  sea, 
jointed  pikes  shod  at  the  head  with  bronze. 

Now  Patroklos,  as  long  as  the  Achaians  and  Trojans  were 
fighting  about  the  wall,  without  the  swift  ships,  sat  in  the 
hut  of  kindly  Eurypylos,  and  was  making  him  glad  with 
talk,  and  on  his  cruel  wound  was  laying  herbs,  to  medicine 
his  dark  pain.  But  when  he  perceived  the  Trojans  rush- 
ing over  the  wall,  and  the  din  and  flight  of  the  Danaans 
began,  then  did  he  groan,  and  smote  his  two  thighs  with  his 
hands  flatlings,  and  sorrowing  he  spake  : “ Eurypylos,  no 


ILIAD  XV,  399-432 


3°3 


longer  at  all  may  I abide  with  thee  here,  though  great  thy 
need,  for  verily  a great  strife  has  arisen.  But  thee  let  thy 
squire  comfort,  while  I hasten  to  Achilles,  that  I may  urge 
him  to  join  the  battle.  Who  knows  but  with  god’s  help  I 
may  arouse  his  spirit  with  my  persuasion  ? and  a good  thing 
is  the  persuasion  of  a friend.” 

Even  as  he  spake,  his  feet  were  bearing  him  away,  but 
the  Achaians  abode  the  onset  of  the  Trojans  steadfastly,  yet 
availed  not  to  drive  them,  though  fewer  they  were,  from  the 
ships  : neither  at  all  could  the  Trojans  break  the  ranks  of  the 
Danaans  and  pour  among  the  huts  and  the  ships.  But  even 
as  the  carpenter’s  line  doth  straighten  the  timber  of  a ship, 
in  the  hands  of  a cunning  shipwright  that  is  well  skilled  in  all 
craft,  by  the  inspiration  of  Athene,  so  equally  was  strained 
their  war  and  battle,  and  divers  of  them  were  fighting  about 
divers  ships.  Now  Hector  made  for  renowned  Aias,  and  they 
twain  were  warring  about  the  same  ship,  nor  could  the  one 
drive  back  the  other  and  set  fire  to  the  ship,  nor  could  the 
other  thrust  him  away,  since  the  god  urged  him  on.  There 
did  glorious  Aias  smite  Kaletor  son  of  Klytios  in  the  breast 
with  a spear,  as  he  was  carrying  fire  against  the  ship,  and 
he  fell  with  a crash,  and  the  torch  dropped  from  his  hand. 
But  Hector,  when  he  beheld  with  his  eyes  his  cousin  fallen 
in  the  dust,  in  front  of  the  black  ship,  called  with  a loud 
cry  to  the  Trojans  and  Lykians  : “ Ye  Trojans,  and  Lykians, 
and  Dardanians  that  fight  hand  to  hand,  slacken  not  at  all 
from  the  battle  in  this  strait,  but  save  the  son  of  Klytios  ; 
lest  the  Achaians  spoil  him  of  his  harness,  now  that  he  hath 
fallen  in  the  precinct  of  the  ships.” 

So  spake  he,  and  hurled  at  Aias  with  a shining  spear  : 
and  Aias  he  missed,  but  Lykophron,  the  son  of  Mastor,  the 
Kytherian  squire  of  Aias,  who  dwelt  with  him,  having  slain 
a mam  in  divine  Kythera,  him  Hector  smote  on  the  head 


3°4 


ILIAD  XV,  433-462 


above  the  ear  with  the  sharp  bronze,  even  as  he  stood  near 
Aias  ; and  backward  in  the  dust  he  fell  to  earth  from  the 
stem  of  the  ship,  and  his  limbs  were  loosened.  And  Aias 
shuddered,  and  spake  to  his  brother  : “ Dear  Teukros,  lo 
our  true  comrade  hath  been  slain,  even  the  son  of  Mastor 
out  of  Kythera  whom  we  honoured  at  home  in  the  halls 
like  our  own  parents.  Him  hath  great-hearted  Hector  slain. 
Where  now  are  thy  swift  shafts  of  doom,  and  the  bow  that 
Phoebus  Apollo  gave  thee  ? ” 

So  spake  he,  and  the  other  marked  him,  and  ran,  and 
came  and  stood  close  by  him,  with  the  bended  bow  in  his 
hand,  and  the  quiver  with  the  arrows,  and  right  swiftly  he 
showered  his  shafts  upon  the  Trojans.  And  he  smote 
Kleitos,  the  splendid  son  of  Peisenor,  the  comrade  of  Poly 
damas,  the  haughty  son  of  Panthoos,  with  the  reins  in  his 
hand,  as  he  was  busy  with  the  horses,  for  thither  was  he 
driving  them  where  far  the  most  of  the  companies  were 
broken  in  confusion,  and  he  was  showing  a favour  to  Hector 
and  the  Trojans.  But  swiftly  on  himself  came  his  bane,  that 
not  one  of  them  could  ward  off  from  him,  despite  their 
desire.  For  the  woful  arrow  lighted  on  the  back  of  his  neck, 
and  he  fell  from  the  chariot,  and  back  started  his  horses,  shak- 
ing the  empty  car.  But  straightway  the  prince  Polydamas 
beheld  it,  and  was  the  first  to  come  over  against  the  horses. 
Them  he  gave  to  Astynoos,  the  son  of  Protiaon,  and  enjoined 
him  straitly  to  hold  the  horses  close  at  hand,  and  look  on,  and 
himself  went  back,  and  mingled  with  the  foremost  fighters. 
Then  Teukros  aimed  another  shaft  against  Hector  of  the 
helm  of  bronze,  and  would  have  made  cease  the  battle  by 
the  ships  of  the  Achaians,  if  he  had  smitten  him  in  his 
prowess  and  taken  his  life  away.  But  he  escaped  not  the 
wise  mind  of  Zeus,  who  guarded  Hector,  but  took  away  the 
praise  from  Teukros  son  of  Telamon,  for  he  brake  the  well- 


ILIAD  XV,  463-493 


305 


:wisted  string  on  the  goodly  bow,  even  as  Teukros  was  aiming 
it  Hector,  and  his  arrow  weighted  with  bronze  wandered 
)therwhere,  and  the  bow  fell  from  his  hands.  But  Teukros 
shuddered,  and  spake  to  his  brother  saying  : “ Alas,  now 
zerily  the  god  breaks  altogether  the  purpose  of  our  battle, 
n that  he  hath  cast  the  bow  from  my  hand,  and  hath  broken 
he  newly  twisted  cord,  which  I bound  on  but  this  morning, 
hat  it  might  sustain  the  many  shafts  that  should  leap  from 
he  bow.” 

Then  the  great  Aias  son  of  Telamon  answered  him 
aying  : “ Yea,  friend,  but  let  the  bow  and  the  many  arrows 
ie,  even  so,  since  the  god  has  confounded  them,  being 
ealous  of  the  Danaans,  but  take  in  thy  hands  a long  spear, 
,nd  a shield  on  thy  shoulder,  and  war  with  the  Trojans, 
,nd  arouse  the  rest  of  the  host.  Verily  not  without  labour, 
ar  all  their  victory,  let  them  take  the  well-timbered  ships  ; 
iay,  let  us  be  mindful  of  the  delight  of  battle.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Teukros  set  the  bow  within  the  huts 
gain,  but  round  his  shoulder  he  set  a fourfold  shield,  and 
n his  mighty  head  a well-wrought  helmet,  [with  a horse-hair 
lume,  and  terribly  the  crest  nodded  above.]  And  he  seized  a 
crong  spear,  shod  with  sharp  bronze,  and  started  on  his  way, 
nd  started  and  running  right  speedily  stood  beside  Aias. 

But  when  Hector  saw  the  artillery  of  Teukros  harmed,  he 
ried,  with  a mighty  shout,  to  the  Trojans  and  Lykians  : 
Trojans,  and  Lykians,  and  Dardanians  that  love  close 
ght,  play  the  man,  my  friends,  and  be  mindful  of  impetuous 
alour,  here  by  the  hollow  ships,  for  I have  seen  with  mine 
yes,  how  the  artillery  of  the  bravest  warrior  was  harmed  by 
eus.  And  most  easily  discerned  is  the  aid  of  Zeus  to  men, 
oth  to  whomso  he  gives  the  meed  of  the  greater  honour, 
ad  whom  he  would  minish  and  hath  no  will  to  aid,  as  even 
ow  he  minisheth  the  strength  of  the  Argives,  but  us  he  aideth. 


x 


ILIAD  XV,  494-52  5 


3°6 

But  fight  in  your  firm  companies  at  the  ships,  and  whoso 
ever  of  you  be  smitten  by  dart  or  blow  and  meeteth  deatl 
and  fate,  so  let  him  die.  Lo,  it  is  no  dishonourable  thin; 
for  him  to  fall  fighting  for  his  country,  but  his  wife  and  hii 
children  after  him  are  safe,  and  his  house  unharmed,  and  hi; 
lot  of  land,  if  but  the  Achaians  fare  with  their  ships  to  the! 
dear  native  land.” 

So  spake  he  and  aroused  the  might  and  the  spirit  of  even 
man. 

But  Aias  again,  on  the  other  side,  called  unto  his  comrades 
“ Shame  on  you,  Argives  : now  is  one  thing  sure,  either  tha' 
we  must  perish  utterly,  or  be  saved  and  drive  the  peril  froir 
the  ships.  Think  ye  that  if  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  take 
the  ships,  ye  will  come  by  dryland  each  to  his  own  country!  1 
Hear  ye  not  Hector  exhorting  all  the  host,  so  eager,  verily,  is 
he  to  burn  the  ships?  Truly  he  bids  not  men  to  the  dance 
but  to  battle.  And  for  us  there  is  no  better  counsel  nor  de 
vice,  but  to  put  forth  our  hands  and  all  our  might  in  close 
combat.  Better  it  were  to  risk  life  or  death,  once  for  all,  than 
long  to  be  straitened  in  the  dread  stress  of  battle,  thus  vainlj 
by  the  ships,  at  the  hands  of  worse  men  than  we  be.” 

So  spake  he,  and  aroused  the  might  and  the  spirit  of  every 
man.  Then  Hector  slew  Schedios,  the  son  of  Perimedes, 
a leader  of  the  Phokians,  while  Aias  slew  Laodamas,  the 
leader  of  the  foot-men,  the  noble  son  of  Antenor,  and  Poly 
damas  slew  Otos,  of  Kyllene,  comrade  of  Phyleides,  a chiel 
of  the  high-hearted  Epeians.  And  Meges,  when  he  beheld 
it  rushed  on  him,  but  Polydamas  stooped  downwards,  and 
him  Meges  missed, — for  Apollo  suffered  not  the  son  of  Pan 
thoos  to  be  smitten  among  the  foremost  fighters, — but  he 
wounded  Kroismos  in  the  midst  of  the  breast  with  his  spear. 
And  he  fell  with  a crash,  and  the  other  set  to  stripping  the 
harness  from  his  shoulders.  Then  Dolops  rose  against  him, 


ILIAD  XV,  525-558 


3°7 


a warrior  skilled,  Dolops  son  of  Lampos,  whom  Lampos 
Laomedon’s  son  begat,  his  bravest  son,  well  skilled  in  im- 
petuous valour;  who  then  smote  the  midst  of  the  shield 
of  Phyleus’  son,  setting  on  him  at  close  quarters.  But  his 
well-wrought  corslet  guarded  him,  the  corslet  that  he  wore, 
fashioned  of  plates  of  mail.  This  corslet  did  Phyleus  once 
bear  out  of  Ephyre,  from  the  river  Selleeis.  For  a guest  friend 
,of  his  had  given  him  the  same,  even  Euphetes,  king  of  men, 
that  he  might  bear  it  in  war,  a defence  against  foemen  ; and 
now  from  his  son’s  flesh  too  it  warded  off  his  bane.  Now 
Meges  smote  with  sharpened  spear  at  the  topmost  crest  of 
his  helmet  of  bronze  with  horse-hair  plume,  and  brake  off  his 
plume  of  horse-hair,  and  it  all  fell  earthward  in  the  dust, 
shining  with  its  new  scarlet  dye.  Now  while  he  abode,  and 
fought,  and  yet  hoped  for  victory,  there  came  against  him 
to  the  rescue  warlike  Menelaos,  and  stood  unmarked  on  his 
flank  with  his  spear,  and  smote  him  on  the  shoulder  from 
behind,  and  the  eager  spear  rushed  through  his  breast,  in  for- 
ward flight,  and  then  fell  he  forward.  Then  the  twain  made 
for  him  to  strip  from  his  shoulders  his  harness  of  bronze. 
But  Hector  called  to  all  his  kinsmen,  and  first  he  chid  the  son 
of  Hiketaon,  the  strong  Melanippos.  Now  till  then  was 
Melanippos  wont  to  feed  his  kine  of  trailing  gait  in  Perkote, 
far  off  from  hostile  men,  but  when  the  curved  ships  of  the 
Danaans  came,  he  returned  to  Ilios,  and  excelled  among  the 
Trojans,  and  dwelt  hard  by  Priam,  who  honoured  him  equally 
with  his  own  children.  Him  did  Hector  chide,  and  spake 
)ut,  and  called  him  by  name  : “ Melanippos,  are  we  to  be 
;hus  slack  ? Is  thy  heart  not  moved  at  all,  at  sight  of  thy 
.tinsman  slain  ? Seest  thou  not  how  they  are  busied  about 
he  harness  of  Dolops  ? nay,  follow  on,  for  no  longer  may 
ve  fight  with  the  Argives  from  afar,  till  either  we  slay  them. 
>r  they  utterly  take  steep  Ilios,  and  slay  her  people” 


ILIAD  XV,  559-589 


3°S 

So  spake  he,  and  led  on,  while  the  other  followed  him, 
a godlike  man.  But  the  great  Aias,  son  of  Telamon,  ex- 
horted the  Argives,  saying : “ O friends,  play  the  man,  and 
take  shame  in  your  hearts ; yea,  have  shame  each  of  the 
other’s  contempt,  in  the  9trong  battle.  For  of  men  thus 
shamefast  more  escape  than  fall,  but  of  men  that  flee 
cometh  neither  glory,  nor  any  avail.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  likewise  themselves  were  eager  to 
drive  off  the  others,  and  laid  up  his  word  in  their  hearts, 
and  begirt  the  ships  with  a ring  of  bronze,  while  Zeus  urged 
on  the  Trojans.  Then  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry  ex- 
horted Antilochos,  “ Antilochos,  not  one  of  the  Achaians  is 
younger  than  thou,  nor  swifter  of  foot,  nor  strong  as  art  thou 
in  fight;  see  now  if  thou  canst  leap  out,  and  smite  some 
man  of  the  Trojans.” 

So  spake  he,  and  hasted  back  again,  having  heartened 
the  other,  and  forth  Antilochos  leaped  from  the  foremost 
ranks,  and  cast  his  shining  spear,  glancing  all  around  him,  and 
the  Trojans  gave  ground  before  him  when  he  threw.  And  no 
vain  dart  threw  he,  but  smote  Melanippos,  the  proud  son  of 
Hiketaon,  as  he  was  returning  to  the  combat ; on  the  breast 
hard  by  the  nipple  he  smote  him.  And  he  fell  with  a crash, 
and  darkness  covered  his  eyes.  And  Antilochos  set  on 
like  a hound  that  rushes  upon  a wounded  fawn,  that  the 
hunter  hath  aimed  at  and  smitten  as  it  leaped  from  its  lair, 
and  hath  loosened  all  its  limbs.  Even  so  upon  thee, 
Melanippos,  leaped  Antilochos  steadfast  in  battle,  to  spoil 
thy  harness.  But  noble  Hector  marked  him,  and  came 
running  against  him  through  the  battle.  But  Antilochos 
abode  not  his  onset,  swift  warrior  though  he  was,  but  he 
fled,  like  a wild  beast  that  hath  done  some  evil  thing, 
having  slain  a dog,  or  a herdsman  by  the  kine,  and  flees, 
before  the  press  of  men  can  gather ; even  so  fled  the  son 


ILIAD  XV,  589-622 


309 


of  Nestor.  Now  the  Trojans  and  Hector,  with  wonderful 
clamour,  showered  upon  him  their  dolorous  darts,  but  he 
turned,  and  stood,  when  he  had  reached  the  host  of  his 
comrades. 

Now  the  Trojans,  like  ravening  lions,  rushed  upon  the 
ships,  fulfilling  the  behests  of  Zeus,  that  ever  was  rousing 
their  great  wrath,  but  softened  the  temper  of  the  Argives, 
and  took  away  their  glory,  while  he  spurred  on  the  others. 
For  the  heart  of  Zeus  was  set  on  giving  glory  to  Hector,  the 
son  of  Priam,  that  withal  he  might  cast  fierce-blazing  fire, 
unwearied,  upon  the  beaked  ships,  and  so  fulfil  all  the  pre- 
sumptuous prayer  of  Thetis  ; wherefore  wise  - counselling 
Zeus  awaited,  till  his  eyes  should  see  the  glare  of  a burning 
ship.  For  even  from  that  hour  was  he  to  ordain  the  backward 
chase  of  the  Trojans  from  the  ships,  and  to  give  glory  to  the 
-Danaans.  With  this  design  was  he  rousing  Hector,  Priam’s 
son,  that  himself  was  right  eager,  against  the  hollow  ships. 
And  he  was  raging,  like  Ares,  the  brandisher  of  the  spear, 
or  as  when  ruinous  fire  rages  on  the  hills,  in  the  folds  of  a 
deep  woodland ; and  foam  grew  about  his  mouth,  and  his 
•eyes  shone  beneath  his  dreadful  brows,  and  around  the 
temples  of  Hector  as  he  fought  his  helm  shook  terribly.  For 
Zeus  out  of  heaven  was  his  ally,  and  gave  him  honour 
and  renown,  he  being  but  one  man  against  so  many.  For 
short  of  life  was  he  to  be,  yea,  and  already  Pallas  Athene 
was  urging  against  him  the  day  of  destiny,  at  the  hand  of 
the  son  of  Peleus.  And  fain  he  was  to  break  the  ranks  of 
men,  trying  them  wheresoever  he  saw  the  thickest  press,  and 
the  goodliest  harness.  Yet  not  even  so  might  he  break 
them  for  all  his  eagerness.  Nay,  they  stood  firm,  and 
embattled  like  a steep  rock  and  a great,  hard  by  the 
hoary  sea,  a rock  that  abides  the  swift  paths  of  the  shrill 
winds,  and  the  swelling  waves  that  roar  against  it  Even 


3 IO 


ILIAD  XV,  623-653 


so  the  Danaans  steadfastly  abode  the  Trojans,  and  fled  noi 
away.  But  Hector  shining  with  fire  on  all  sides  leaped  on 
the  throng,  and  fell  upon  them,  as  when  beneath  the  storm- 
clouds  a fleet  wave  reared  of  the  winds  falls  on  a swift  ship, 
and  she  is  all  hidden  with  foam,  and  the  dread  blast  of  the 
wind  roars  against  the  sail,  and  the  sailors  fear,  and  tremble 
in  their  hearts,  for  by  but  a little  way  are  they  borne  forth 
from  death,  even  so  the  spirit  was  tom  in  the  breasts  oi 
the  Achaians.  But  he  came  on  like  a ravening  lion  making 
against  the  kine,  that  are  feeding  innumerable  in  the  low- 
lying  land  of  a great  marsh,  and  among  them  is  a herdsman 
that  as  yet  knoweth  not  well  how  to  fight  with  a wild  beast 
concerning  the  slaughter  of  the  kine  of  crooked  hom,  and 
ever  he  paces  abreast  with  the  rear  or  the  van  of  the  cattle, 
but  the  lion  leaps  into  the  midst,  and  devours  a cow,  and 
they  all  tremble  for  fear,  even  so  the  Achaians  all  were  made 
terribly  adread  by  Hector  and  father  Zeus.  But  Hector  slew 
Periphetes  of  Mykene  only,  the  dear  son  of  Kopreus,  that 
was  wont  to  go  on  the  errands  of  Eurystheus,  to  the  mighty 
Herakles.  From  him,  a far  baser  father,  was  born  a better 
son,  in  all  manner  of  excellence,  in  fleetness  of  foot,  and  in 
war,  and  of  mind  he  was  wise  among  the  first  of  the  Myken- 
aeans.  He  thus  then  yielded  Hector  the  greater  glory.  For 
as  he  turned  back,  he  tripped  against  the  rim  of  his  shield 
which  he  was  wont  to  bear,  a shield  that  reached  to  the 
feet,  a fence  against  javelins — thereon  he  stumbled,  and  fell 
back,  and  his  helm  rang  wondrously  around  his  temples  as 
he  fell  And  Hector  quickly  spied  it,  and  ran  up  swiftly 
and  stood  by  him,  and  fixed  a spear  in  his  breast,  and  slew 
him  hard  by  his  dear  comrades  that  could  not  aid  him, 
despite  all  their  sorrow  for  their  friend,  for  themselves  greatly 
dreaded  noble  Hector. 

Now  were  they  come  between  the  ships,  and  the  prows 


ILIAD  XV,  654-684 


3 1 1 

protected  them,  the  prows  of  the  ships  drawn  up  in  the  first 
line,  but  the  Trojans  rushed  in  after  them.  And  the  Argives 
were  compelled  even  of  necessity  to  give  back  from  the  fore- 
most ships,  yet  there  they  abode  in  close  rank  beside  the 
huts,  and  did  not  scatter  throughout  the  camp.  For  shame 
and  fear  restrained  them  and  ceaselessly  they  kept  shouting 
each  to  other.  Now  Gerenian  Nestor  above  all,  the  Warden 
of  the  Achaians,  implored  each  man  by  the  memory  of  them 
that  begat  him,  and  spake  beseechingly : “ O friends,  play 
:he  man,  and  set  shame  of  other  men’s  contempt  in  your 
aearts.  Let  each  also  be  mindful  of  children  and  wives,  and 
of  his  possessions,  and  of  them  that  begat  him,  whether  any 
lave  parents  yet  alive  or  they  be  already  dead.  For  their 
;ake  do  I here  beseech  you,  for  the  sake  of  them  that  are 
lot  with  us,  to  stand  stoutly,  nor  turn  to  flight.” 

So  spake  he,  and  roused  each  man’s  courage  and  might, 
ind  from  their  eyes  Athene  lifted  the  wondrous  cloud  of 
nist,  and  light  came  mightily  upon  them  from  either  side, 

>oth  from  the  side  of  the  ships,  and  from  the  quarter  of 
:ven-balanced  war.  And  they  beheld  Hector  of  the  loud 
rar-cry,  and  his  comrades,  both  them  that  stood  in  the  rear 
nd  were  not  fighting,  and  all  them  that  fought  in  the  battle 
iy  the  swift  ships. 

Nor  yet  did  it  please  the  spirit  of  high-hearted  Aias,  to  H 
tand  in  the  place  whereto  the  other  sons  of  the  Achaians 
iad  withdrawn,  but  he  kept  faring  with  long  strides,  up  and 
[own  the  decks  of  the  ships,  and  he  wielded  in  his  hands  a 
Teat  pike  for  sea-battles,  jointed  with  rings,  two  and  twenty 
ubits  in  length.  And  even  as  a man  right  well  skilled  in 
orsemanship  that  couples  four  horses  out  of  many,  and 
urrying  them  from  the  plain  towards  a great  city,  drives 
long  the  public  way,  many  men  and  women  marvelling  on 
im,  and  firmly  ever  he  leaps,  and  changes  his  stand  from 


31  2 


ILIAD  XV,  685-7x8 


horse  to  horse,  while  they  fly  along,  even  so  Aias  went  with 
long  strides,  over  many  a deck  of  the  swift  ships,  and  his 
voice  went  up  unto  heaven.  And  always  with  terrible  cries 
he  summoned  the  Danaans  to  defend  the  ships  and  the  huts. 
Nor  did  Hector  abide  in  the  throng  of  well-armed  Trojans, 
but  even  as  a tawny  eagle  rushes  on  a flock  of  winged  fowl, 
that  are  feeding  by  a riverside,  a flock  of  geese,  or  cranes, 
or  long-necked  swans,  even  so  Hector  made  straight  for  a 
black-beaked  ship,  rushing  right  on  it,  and  mightily  Zeus 
urged  him  on  from  behind  with  his  strong  hand,  and  roused 
on  the  host  along  with  him. 

So  again  keen  battle  was  set  by  the  ships.  Thou 
wouldst  deem  that  unwearied  and  unworn  they  met  each 
other  in  war,  so  eagerly  they  fought.  And  in  their  striving 
they  were  minded  thus ; the  Achaians  verily  deemed  that 
never  would  they  flee  from  the  danger,  but  perish  there,  but 
the  heart  of  each  Trojan  hoped  in  his  breast,  that  they 
should  fire  the  ships,  and  slay  the  heroes  of  the  Achaians. 
With  these  imaginations  they  stood  to  each  other,  and 
Hector  seized  the  stern  of  a seafaring  ship,  a fair  ship, 
swift  on  the  brine,  that  had  borne  Protesilaos  to  Troia,  but 
brought  him  not  back  again  to  his  own  country.  Now  round 
his  ship  the  Achaians  and  Trojans  warred  on  each  other 
hand  to  hand,  nor  far  apart  did  they  endure  the  flights 
of  arrows,  nor  of  darts,  but  standing  hard  each  by  other, 
with  one  heart,  with  sharp  axes  and  hatchets  they  fought, 
and  with  great  swords,  and  double -pointed  spears.  And 
many  fair  brands,  dark  - scabbarded  and-  hilted,  fell  to 
the  ground,  some  from  the  hands,  some  from  off  the 
shoulders  of  warring  men,  and  the  black  earth  ran  with 
blood.  But  Hector,  after  that  once  he  had  seized  the  ship’s 
stem,  left  not  his  hold,  keeping  the  ensign  in  his  hands, 
and  he  called  to  the  Trojans : “ Bring  fire,  and  all  with  one 


ILIAD  XV,  718-746 


3*3 

voice  do  ye  raise  the  war-cry ; now  hath  Zeus  given  us  the 
dearest  day  of  all, — to  take  the  ships  that  came  hithef 
against  the  will  of  the  gods,  and  brought  many  woes  upon 
us,  by  the  cowardice  of  the  elders,  who  withheld  me  when 
I was  eager  to  fight  at  the  stems  of  the  ships,  and  kept  back 
the  host.  But  if  even  then  far-seeing  Zeus  did  harm  our 
wits,  now  he  himself  doth  urge  and  command  us  onwards.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  set  yet  the  fiercer  on  the  Argives. 
And  Aias  no  longer  abode  their  onset,  for  he  was  driven 
back  by  the  darts,  but  he  withdrew  a little, — thinking  that 
now  he  should  die, — onto  the  oarsmen’s  bench  of  seven 
feet  long,  and  he  left  the  decks  of  the  trim  ship.  There 
then  he  stood  on  the  watch,  and  with  his  spear  he  ever  drave 
the  Trojans  from  the  ships,  whosoever  brought  unwearied 
fire,  and  ever  he  shouted  terribly,  calling  to  the  Danaans  : 
“ O friends,  Danaan  heroes,  men  of  Ares’  company,  play  the 
man,  my  friends,  and  be  mindful  of  impetuous  valour.  Do 
we  deem  that  there  be  allies  at  our  backs,  or  some  wall 
stronger  than  this  to  ward  off  death  from  men?  Verily 
there  is  not  hard  by  any  city  arrayed  with  towers,  whereby 
we  might  defend  ourselves,  having  a host  that  could  turn 
the  balance  of  battle.  Nay,  but  we  are  set  down  in  the  plain 
of  the  mailed  men  of  Troy,  with  our  backs  against  the  sea, 
and  far  off  from  our  own  land.  Therefore  is  safety  in  battle, 
and  not  in  slackening  from  the  fight.” 

So  spake  he,  and  rushed  on  ravening  for  battle,  with  his 
keen  spear.  And  whosoever  of  the  Trojans  was  coming 
against  the  ship  with  blazing  fire,  to  pleasure  Hector  at  his 
urging,  him  would  Aias  wound,  awaiting  him  with  his  long 
spear,  and  twelve  men  in  front  of  the  ships  at  close  quarters 
did  he  wound. 


BOOK  XVI. 


How  Patroklos  fought  in  the  armour  of  Achilles,  and  drove  the  Trojans 
from  the  ships,  but  was  slain  at  last  by  Hector. 

So  they  were  warring  round  the  well-timbered  ship,  but 
Patroklos  drew  near  Achilles,  shepherd  of  the  host,  and 
he  shed  warm  tears,  even  as  a fountain  of  dark  water  that 
down  a steep  cliff  pours  its  cloudy  stream.  And  noble 
swift-footed  Achilles  when  he  beheld  him  was  grieved  for 
his  sake,  and  accosted  him,  and  spake  winged  words, 
saying : “ Wherefore  weepest  thou,  Patroklos,  like  a fond 
little  maid,  that  runs  by  her  mother’s  side,  and  bids  her 
mother  take  her  up,  snatching  at  her  gown,  and  hinders  her 
in  her  going,  and  tearfully  looks  at  her,  till  the  mother  takes 
her  up  ? like  her,  Patroklos,  dost  thou  let  fall  soft  tears.  Hast 
thou  aught  to  tell  to  the  Myrmidons,  or  to  me  myself,  or  is 
it  some  tidings  out  of  Phthia  that  thou  alone  hast  heard  ? 
They  say  that  Menoitios  son  of  Aktor  still  lives  : and  Peleus 
son  of  Aiakos  lives  yet  among  the  Myrmidons,  for  which 
twain,  were  they  dead,  right  sore  would  we  sorrow.  Or 
dost  thou  lament  for  the  sake  of  the  Argives, — how  they 
perish  by  the  hollow  ships  through  their  own  transgression  ? 
Speak  out,  and  hide  it  not  within  thy  spirit,  that  we  may  both 
know  all.”  'v 

But  with  a heavy  groan  didst  thou  speak  unto  him,  O 
knight  Patroklos  : “ O Achilles,  son  of  Peleus,  far  the  bravest 
of  the  Achaians,  be  not  wroth,  seeing  that  so  great  calamity 


ILIAD  XVI,  22-53 


3i5 


has  beset  the  Achaians.  For  verily  all  of  them  that  afore- 
time were  the  best  are  lying  among  the  ships,  smitten  and 
wounded.  Smitten  is  the  son  of  Tydeus,  strong  Diomedes, 
md  wounded  is  Odysseus,  spearman  renowned,  and  Aga- 
memnon; and  smitten  is  Eurypylos  on  the  thigh  with  an 
arrow.  And  about  them  the  leeches  skilled  in  medicines 
are  busy,  healing  their  wounds,  but  thou  art  hard  to  recon- 
cile, Achilles.  Never  then  may  such  wrath  take  hold  of  me 
as  that  thou  nursest ; thou  brave  to  the  hurting  of  others. 
What  other  man  later  bom  shall  have  profit  of  thee,  if  thou 
dost  not  ward  off  base  ruin  from  the  Argives  ? Pitiless  that 
thou  art,  the  knight  Peleus  was  not  then  thy  father,  nor 
Thetis  thy  mother,  but  the  grey  sea  bare  thee,  and  the  sheer 
cliffs,  so  untoward  is  thy  spirit.  But  if  in  thy  heart  thou 
art  shunning  some  oracle,  and  thy  lady  mother  hath  told  thee 
somewhat  from  Zeus,  yet  me  do  thou  send  forth  quickly,  and 
make  the  rest  of  the  host  of  the  Myrmidons  follow  me,  if  yet 
my  light  may  arise  from  me  to  the  Danaans.  And  give  me 
;hy  harness  to  buckle  about  my  shoulders,  if  perchance  the 
Trojans  may  take  me  for  thee,  and  so  abstain  from  battle, 
and  the  warlike  sons  of  the  Achaians  may  take  breath, 
wearied  as  they  be,  for  brief  is  the  breathing  in  war.  And 
lightly  might  we  that  are  fresh  drive  men  wearied  with  the 
battle  back  to  the  citadel,  away  from  the  ships  and  the 
auts.” 

So  he  spake  and  besought  him,  in  his  unwittingness,  for 
iruly  it  was  to  be  his  own  evil  death  and  fate  that  he  prayed 
ror.  Then  to  him  in  great  heaviness  spake  swift-footed 
Achilles  : “ Ah  me,  Patroklos  of  the  seed  of  Zeus,  what  word 
cast  thou  spoken  ? Neither  take  I heed  of  any  oracle  that 
[ wot  of,  nor  yet  has  my  lady  mother  told  me  somewhat 
fom  Zeus,  but  this  dread  sorrow  comes  upon  my  heart  and 
spirit,  from  the  hour  that  a man  wishes  to  rob  me  who  am  his 


ILIAD  XVI,  5 3-8 5 


316 

equal,  and  to  take  away  my  prize,  for  that  he  excels  me  it  1 
power.  A dread  sorrow  to  me  is  this,  after  all  the  toils  tha 
my  heart  hath  endured.  The  maiden  that  the  sons  of  tht 
Achaians  chose  out  for  me  as  my  prize,  and  that  I won  with 
my  spear  when  I sacked  a well-walled  city,  her  has  might} 
Agamemnon  the  son  of  Atreus  taken  back  out  of  my  hands, 
as  though  I were  but  some  sojourner  dishonourable.  But  we 
will  let  bygones  be  bygones.  No  man  may  be  angry  of  hear! 
for  ever,  yet  verily  I said  that  I would  not  cease  from  mj 
wrath,  until  that  time  when  to  mine  own  ships  should  come 
the  war-cry  and  the  battle.  But  do  thou  on  thy  shoulders 
my  famous  harness,  and  lead  the  war-loving  Myrmidons  to 
the  fight,  if  indeed  the  dark  cloud  of  the  Trojans  hath 
mightily  surrounded  the  ships,  and  if  the  Argives  are  driven 
back  to  the  shore  of  the  sea,  holding  but  a narrow  space  oi  ■ 
land,  and  the  whole  town  of  Troy  hath  come  boldly  against 
them.  Yea,  for  they  behold  not  the  vizor  of  my  helm 
shining  hard  at  hand ; swiftly  would  they  flee,  and  fill  the 
watercourses  with  dead,  if  mighty  Agamemnon  had  been  but 
kindly  to  me, — but  now  are  they  warring  round  the  camp. 
For  not  in  the  hands  of  Diomedes,  the  son  of  Tydeus,  ragetb 
the  spear,  to  ward  off  destruction  from  the  Danaans.  Neither 
as  yet  have  I heard  the  voice  of  the  son  of  Atreus,  shouting 
out  of  his  hated  mouth,  but  of  Hector  the  slayer  of  men 
doth  the  voice  burst  around  me,  as  he  calls  on  the  Trojans, 
and  they  with  their  cries  fill  all  the  plain,  overcoming  the 
Achaians  in  the  battle.  But  even  so,  Patroklos,  to  ward  off 
destruction  from  the  ships,  do  thou  fall  on  mightily,  lest 
they  even  burn  the  ships  with  blazing  fire,  and  take  away 
our  desired  return.  But  do  thou  obey,  even  as  I shall  put 
into  thy  mind  the  end  of  my  commandment,  that  in  my  sight 
thou  mayst  win  great  honour  and  fame  of  all  the  Danaans,1 
and  they  may  give  me  back  again  the  fairest  maiden,  and 


ILIAD  XVI,  86-118 


3i7 

thereto  add  splendid  gifts.  When  thou  hast  driven  them  from 
the  ships,  return,  and  even  if  the  loud-thundering  lord  of  Hera 
grant  thee  to  win  glory,  yet  long  not  thou  apart  from  me  to 
fight  with  the  war-loving  Trojans;  thereby  wilt  thou  minish 
mine  honour.  Neither  do  thou,  exulting  in  war  and  strife, 
and  slaying  the  Trojans,  lead  on  toward  Ilios,  lest  one  of  the 
eternal  gods  from  Olympus  come  against  thee ; right  dearly 
doth  Apollo  the  Far-darter  love  them.  Nay,  return  back 
when  thou  hast  brought  safety  to  the  ships,  and  suffer  the 
rest  to  fight  along  the  plain.  For  would,  O father  Zeus,  and 
Athene,  and  Apollo,  would  that  not  one  of  all  the  Trojans 
might  escape  death,  nor  one  of  the  Argives,  but  that  we 
twain  might  avoid  destruction,  that  alone  we  might  undo 
the  sacred  coronal  of  Troy.” 

So  spake  they  each  to  ether,  but  Aias  no  longer  abode 
the  onset,  for  he  was  overpowered  by  darts ; the  counsel 
of  Zeus  was  subduing  him,  and  the  shafts  of  the  proud 
Trojans ; and  his  bright  helmet,  being  smitten,  kept  ringing 
:erribly  about  his  temples : for  always  it  was  smitten  upon 
.he  fair-wrought  cheek-pieces.  Moreover  his  left  shoulder 
was  wearied,  as  steadfastly  he  held  up  his  glittering  shield, 
ror  yet  could  they  make  him  give  ground,  as  they  pressed 
on  with  their  darts  around  him.  And  ever  he  was  worn 
out  with  difficult  breath,  and  much  sweat  kept  running 
rom  all  his  limbs,  nor  had  he  a moment  to  draw  breath, 
:o  on  all  sides  was  evil  heaped  on  evil. 

Tell  me  now,  ye  Muses  that  have  mansions  in  Olympus, 
row  first  fire  fell  on  the  ships  of  the  Achaians.  Hector 
Irew  near,  and  the  ashen  spear  of  Aias  he  smote  with  his 
jeat  sword,  hard  by  the  socket,  behind  the  point,  and 
hore  it  clean  away,  and  the  son  of  Telamon  brandished  in 
lis  hand  no  more  than  a pointless  spear,  and  far  from  him 
he  head  of  bronze  fell  ringing  on  the  ground. 


6 


ILIAD  XVI,  1 1 9-1 5 1 


And  Aias  knew  in  his  noble  heart,  and  shuddered  at 
the  deeds  of  the  gods,  even  how  Zeus  that  thundereth  on 
high  did  utterly  cut  off  from  him  avail  in  war,  and  desired 
victory  for  the  Trojans.  Then  Aias  gave  back  out  of  the 
darts.  But  the  Trojans  cast  on  the  swift  ship  unwearying 
fire,  and  instantly  the  inextinguishable  flame  streamed  over 
her : so  the  fire  begirt  the  stern,  whereon  Achilles  smote  his 
thighs,  and  spake  to  Patroklos : “ Arise,  Patroklos  of  the 
seed  of  Zeus,  commander  of  the  horsemen,  for  truly  I see 
by  the  ships  the  rush  of  the  consuming  fire.  Up  then,  lest 
they  take  the  ships,  and  there  be  no  more  retreat ; do  on 
thy  harness  speedily,  and  I will  summon  the  host.” 

So  spake  he,  while  Patroklos  was  harnessing  him  in 
shining  bronze.  His  goodly  greaves,  fitted  with  silver  clasps, 
he  first  girt  round  his  legs,  and  next  did  on  around  his 
breast  the  well-dight  starry  corslet  of  the  swift-footed  son 
of  Aiakos.  And  round  his  shoulders  he  cast  a sword  of 
bronze,  with  studs  of  silver,  and  next  took  the  great  and 
mighty  shield,  and  on  his  proud  head  set  a well-wrought 
helm  with  a horse-hair  crest,  and  terribly  nodded  the  crest 
from  above.  Then  seized  he  two  strong  lances  that  fitted 
his  grasp,  only  he  took  not  the  spear  of  the  noble  son  of 
Aiakos,  heavy,  and  huge,  and  stalwart,  that  none  other  of 
the  Achaians  could  wield,  but  Achilles  alone  availed  to 
wield  it : even  the  ashen  Pelian  spear  that  Cheiron  gave  to 
his  father  dear,  from  a peak  of  Pelion,  to  be  the  death 
of  warriors.  And  Patroklos  bade  Automedon  to  yoke  the 
horses  speedily,  even  Automedon  whom  most  he  honoured 
after  Achilles,  the  breaker  of  the  ranks  of  men,  and  whom 
he  held  trustiest  in  battle  to  abide  his  call.  And  for  him 
Automedon  led  beneath  the  yoke  the  swift  horses,  Xanthos 
and  Balios,  that  fly  as  swift  as  the  winds,  the  horses  that  the 
harpy  Podarge  bare  to  the  West  Wind,  as  she  grazed  on  the 


ILIAD  XVI,  151-184 


3 x9 

meadow  by  the  stream  of  Okeanos.  And  in  the  side-traces 
he  put  the  goodly  Pedasos,  that  Achilles  carried  away,  when 
he  took  the  city  of  Eetion ; and  being  but  a mortal  steed,  he 
followed  with  the  immortal  horses. 

Meanwhile  Achilles  went  and  harnessed  all  the  Myr- 
midons in  the  huts  with  armour,  and  they  gathered  like 
ravening  wolves  with  strength  in  their  hearts  unspeakable, 
that  have  slain  a great  homed  stag  in  the  hills  and  rend  him 
piecemeal ; and  all  their  jaws  are  red  with  blood,  and  in  a 
herd  they  go,  to  lap  with  their  thin  tongues  the  surface  of 
the  dark  water  in  a dusky  well,  belching  out  the  blood  of 
the  slaughter,  their  heart  steadfast  within  their  breasts,  and 
their  bellies  swollen,  even  so  hastened  the  leaders  and  chiefs 
of  the  Myrmidons  around  the  good  squire  of  swift-footed 
Achilles.  And  among  them  all  stood  warlike  Achilles, 
urging  on  the  horses  and  the  targeteers. 

Fifty  were  the  swift  ships  which  Achilles,  beloved  of 
Zeus,  led  to  Troia,  and  in  each  ship  on  the  benches  sat 
fifty  men  his  comrades,  and  five  leaders  he  made,  wherein 
he  trusted  to  give  command,  and  himself  with  great  lordship 
was  chief  of  them  all.  One  rank  led  Menesthios  of  the 
shining  corslet,  the  son  of  Spercheios,  the  River  that  falleth 
from  Zeus.  Him  did  the  daughter  of  Peleus  bear,  beautiful 
Polydora,  to  tireless  Spercheios,  a woman  couched  with  a 
god.  But  by  name  was  he  the  son  of  Boros,  Perieres’  son, 
who  openly  wedded  her,  giving  countless  gifts  of  wooing. 
And  the  next  company  did  warlike  Eudoros  lead,  the  son 
of  an  unwedded  girl,  and  him  bare  Polymele,  fair  in  the 
dance,  the  daughter  of  Phylas.  Her  did  the  strong 
slayer  of  Argus  love,  when  he  had  beheld  her  with  his  eyes 
among  the  singing  maidens,  in  the  choir  of  Artemis,  the 
swift-rushing  goddess  of  the  golden  arrows.  Then  straight- 
way he  went  up  into  her  upper  chamber,  and  lay  with  hei 


ILIAD  XVI,  185-215 


32° 

secretly,  even  Hermes  the  bearer  of  all  things  good,  and  gat 
by  her  a glorious  son,  Eudoros,  swift  of  foot  and  a man  of 
war.  But  when  Eilithyia,  goddess  of  the  pains  of  travail, 
had  brought  him  to  the  light,  and  he  saw  the  rays  of  the 
sun,  then  the  strong  Echekles,  son  of  Aktor,  led  Polymele 
to  his  halls,  after  he  had  given  countless  gifts  of  wooing,  but 
Eudoros  did  the  old  Phylas  rear  well  and  nourish  tenderly, 
loving  him  dearly  as  he  had  been  his  own  son. 

And  the  third  company  led  warlike  Peisandros,  the  son  of 
Maimalos,  most  excellent  among  the  Myrmidons  in  fighting 
with  the  spear,  after  the  comrade  of  the  son  of  Peleus. 
And  the  ancient  knight  Phoinix  led  the  fourth  company, 
and  the  fifth  Alkimedon  the  noble  son  of  Laerkes  led 
But  when  Achilles  had  stationed  them  all,  and  arrayed  them 
well  with  their  leaders,  he  laid  on  them  a strong  command : 
“ Myrmidons,  let  me  find  none  of  you  forgetful  of  the  threats 
wherewith  by  the  swift  ships  ye  threatened  the  Trojans, 
through  all  the  time  of  my  wrath,  and  ye  did  each  accuse  me, 
saying,  ‘ Hard-hearted  son  of  Peleus,  surely  on  gall  thy  mother 
reared  thee,  thou  pitiless  one  that  restrainest  thy  comrades 
at  the  ships,  against  their  will.  Nay,  homewards  let  us 
return  again  with  our  seafaring  ships,  since  such  an  evil 
wrath  has  sunk  into  thy  heart.’  Even  thus  did  ye  often 
clamour  against  me  in  your  gatherings,  but  now  hath 
appeared  the  mighty  work  of  war,  wherewith  in  time  past  ye 
were  in  love.  Therefore  let  each  man  keep  a stout  heart  in 
the  battle  with  the  Trojans.” 

So  spake  he,  and  aroused  the  heart  and  valour  of  each  of 
them,  and  the  ranks  were  yet  the  closer  serried  when  they 
heard  the  prince.  And  as  when  a man  builds  the  wall  of  a 
high  house  with  close-set  stones,  to  avoid  the  might  of  the 
winds,  even  so  close  were  arrayed  the  helmets  and  bossy 
shields,  and  shield  pressed  on  shield,  helm  on  helm,  and 


ILIAD  XVI,  215-248 


321 


nan  on  man,  and  the  horse-hair  crests  on  the  bright  helrnet- 
idges  touched  each  other  when  they  nodded,  so  close  they 
stood  by  each  other. 

But  in  front  of  them  all  were  two  men  harnessed,  Patroklos 
ind  Automedon,  both  of  one  heart,  to  war  in  the  van  of  the 
Myrmidons.  But  Achilles  went  into  his  hut,  and  opened 
;he  lid  of  a fair  and  well-wrought  coffer,  that  silver-footed 
Thetis  placed  on  board  his  ship  to  carry  with  him,  and  filled 
t well  with  doublets,  and  cloaks  to  keep  the  wind  away, 
ind  thick  carpets.  Therein  had  he  a fair -fashioned  cup, 
'ind  neither  was  any  other  man  wont  to  drink  therefrom  the 
oright  wine,  nor  to  any  other  god  was  he  wont  to  do  libation 
.herewith,  save  to  Zeus  the  Father  only.  This  cup  he  took 
rom  the  coffer,  and  first  purified  it  with  brimstone,  and  then 
vashed  it  in  fair  streams  of  water,  and  himself  washed  his 
lands,  and  drew  bright  wine.  Then  prayed  he,  standing  in 
:he  mid-court,  and  poured  forth  the  wine,  looking  up  to 
leaven,  and  Zeus  that  hath  joy  of  the  thunder  was  ware 
if  him : “ King  Zeus,  Dodonaean,  Pelasgian,  thou  that 
jwellest  afar,  ruling  over  wintry  Dodona — and  around  thee 
dwell  the  Selloi,  thy  prophets,  with  unwashen  feet,  and 
couching  on  the  ground, — even  as  once  thou  didst  hear  my 
roice  in  prayer,  and  didst  honour  me,  and  mightily  afflict 
he  host  of  the  Achaians,  even  now  too  fulfil  for  me  this  my 
desire.  For  I myself  will  abide  in  the  gathering  of  the  ships, 
but  my  comrade  I send  with  many  Myrmidons  to  war : to 
aim  do  thou  speed  the  victory,  O far-seeing  Zeus,  and 
strengthen  his  heart  within  him,  that  Hector  too  may  know 
whether  my  squire  hath  skill  to  war  even  alone, — or  whether 
lis  hands  invincible  rage  only  when  I enter  the  moil  of  war. 
Bui  when  he  has  driven  from  the  ships  the  war  and  din  of 
lattle,  scatheless  then  let  him  return  to  me  at  the  swift  ships 
with  all  his  arms,  and  his  comrades  that  fight  hand  to  hand.” 

v 


1 


322 


ILIAD  XVI,  249-280 


So  spake  he  in  his  prayer,  and  wise-counselling  Zeus 
heard  him,  and  the  Father  granted  part  to  him,  and  part 
he  denied.  He  granted  him  that  Patroklos  should  drive 
the  war  and  the  fight  from  the  ships,  but  denied  him  to  re- 
turn safe  out  of  the  fight.  Then  Achilles,  having  made  liba- 
tion and  prayer  to  father  Zeus,  went  back  into  his  hut,  and 
placed  the  cup  in  the  coffer  again,  and  came  forth  and  stood 
in  front  of  his  hut,  for  still  his  heart  desired  to  see  the  dread 
strife  of  the  Trojans  and  Achaians. 

But  they  that  were  armed  about  the  high-hearted  Patroklos 
marched  forward  till  they  rushed  in  their  pride  on  the  Tro- 
jans. And  straightway  they  poured  forth  like  wasps  that 
have  their  dwelling  by  the  wayside,  and  that  boys  are  ever 
wont  to  vex,  always  tormenting  them  in  their  nests  beside 
the  way  in  childish  sport,  and  a common  evil  they  make 
for  many.  And  they,  if  ever  some  wayfaring  man  passing 
by  stir  them  unwittingly,  fly  forth  every  one  of  them,  with 
a heart  of  valour,  and  each  defends  his  children ; with  heart 
and  spirit  like  theirs  the  Myrmidons  poured  out  now  from  the 
ships,  and  a cry  arose  unquenchable,  and  Patroklos  called 
on  his  comrades,  shouting  aloud  : “ Myrmidons,  ye  comrades 
of  Achilles  son  of  Peleus,  be  men,  my  friends,  and  be  mindful 
of  your  impetuous  valour,  that  so  we  may  win  honour  for 
the  son  of  Peleus,  that  is  far  the  bravest  of  the  Argives  by 
the  ships,  and  whose  close -fighting  squires  are  the  best. 
And  let  wide-ruling  Agamemnon  the  son  of  Atreus  learn 
his  own  blindness  of  heart,  in  that  he  nothing  honoured  the 
best  of  the  Achaians.” 

So  spake  he,  and  aroused  each  man’s  heart  and  courage, 
and  all  in  a mass  they  fell  on  the  Trojans,  and  the  ships 
around  echoed  wondrously  to  the  cry’  of  the  Achaians.  But 
when  the  Trojans  beheld  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios,  him- 
self and  his  squire,  shining  in  their  armour,  the  heart  was 


ILIAD  XVI,  281-312 


323 


stirred  in  all  of  them,  and  the  companies  wavered,  for  they 
deemed  that  by  the  ships  the  swift-footed  son  of  Peleus  had 
cast  away  his  wrath,  and  chosen  reconcilement : then  each 
man  glanced  round,  to  see  where  he  might  flee  sheer  de- 
struction. 

But  Patroklos  first  with  a shining  spear  cast  straight 
into  the  press,  where  most  men  were  thronging,  even  by 
the  stern  of  the  ship  of  great-hearted  Protesilaos,  and  he 
smote  Pyraichmes,  who  led  his  Paionian  horsemen  out  of 
Amydon,  from  the  wide  water  of  Axios ; him  he  smote  on 
the  right  shoulder,  and  he  fell  on  his  back  in  the  dust  with 
a groan,  and  his  comrades  around  him,  the  Paeonians,  were 
afraid,  for  Patroklos  sent  fear  among  them  all,  when  he  slew 
their  leader  that  was  ever  the  best  in  fight.  Then  he  drove 
them  out  from  the  ships,  and  quenched  the  burning  fire. 
And  the  half-burnt  ship  was  left  there,  and  the  Trojans  fled, 
with  a marvellous  din,  and  the  Danaans  poured  in  among 
the  hollow  ships,  and  ceaseless  was  the  shouting.  And  as 
when  from  the  high  crest  of  a great  hill  Zeus,  the  gatherer 
of  the  lightning,  hath  stirred  a dense  cloud,  and  forth  shine 
all  the  peaks,  and  sharp  promontories,  and  glades,  and  from 
heaven  the  infinite  air  breaks  open,  even  so  the  Danaans, 
having  driven  the  blazing  fire  from  the  ships,  for  a little  while 
took  breath,  but  there  was  no  pause  in  the  battle.  For  not 
yet  were  the  Trojans  driven  in  utter  rout  by  the  Achaians, 
dear  to  Ares,  from  the  black  ships,  but  they  still  stood  up 
against  them,  and  only  perforce  gave  ground  from  the  ships. 

Then  man  slew  man  of  the  chieftains,  in  the  scattered  fight. 
First  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios  smote  the  thigh  of  Areily- 
kos,  at  the  moment  when  he  turned,  with  a sharp  spear,  and 
drave  the  bronze  clean  through,  and  the  spear  brake  the  bone, 
and  he  fell  on  his  face,  on  the  ground.  Meanwhile  warlike 
Menelaos  wounded  Thoas  on  his  breast  where  it  was  left  un- 


324  ILIAD  XVI,  312-342 

covered,  by  the  edge  of  the  shield,  and  loosened  his  limbs 
And  Phyleides  watched  Amphiklos  as  he  set  on,  and  was  be- 
forehand with  him,  stretching  forward  at  the  thigh,  where  a 
man’s  muscle  is  thickest,  and  the  sinews  were  rent  with  the 
point  of  the  spear,  and  darkness  covered  his  eyes.  And  as 
for  the  sons  of  Nestor,  one  of  them,  Antilochos,  smote 
Atymnios  with  the  sharp  spear,  and  drave  the  spear  of 
bronze  through  his  flank,  and  he  fell  forward.  But  hard  at 
hand  Maris  rushed  on  Antilochos  with  the  spear,  in  wrath 
for  his  brother’s  sake,  and  stood  in  front  of  the  dead  ; but 
godlike  Thrasymedes  was  beforehand  with  him,  and  smote 
forward  instantly  at  his  shoulder  ere  he  could  deal  a wound, 
and  missed  not,  for  the  point  of  the  spear  rent  the  root 
of  the  arm  from  the  muscles,  and  tore  it  to  the  bone.  Then 
fell  he  with  a crash,  and  darkness  covered  his  eyes.  So 
these  twain,  subdued  by  the  two  brothers,  went  to  Erebos, 
even  the  noble  comrades  of  Sarpedon,  the  warrior  sons 
of  Amisodaros,  that  reared  the  invincible  Chimaira,  the 
bane  of  many  a man.  But  Aias  son  of  Oileus  rushed  on 
Cleoboulos,  and  took  him  alive,  entangled  in  the  press ; so 
even  there  he  loosened  his  might,  and  smote  him  on  the 
neck  with  the  hilted  sword.  And  all  the  blade  was  warm 
with  his  blood,  and  dark  death  closed  his  eyes,  and  mighty 
Fate. 

Then  Peneleos  and  Lykon  ran  together,  for  with  their 
spears  they  missed  each  other,  yea,  both  had  cast  in  vain, 
and  instantly  they  ran  together  with  their  swords.  There 
Lykon  smote  the  socket  of  the  horse-hair  crest,  and  his 
sword  brake  at  the  hilt,  but  Peneleos  smote  his  neck  be- 
hind the  ear,  and  all  the  blade  sank  in,  and  naught  but  the 
skin  held,  and  the  head  hung  slack,  and  loosened  were  his 
limbs. 

Now  Meriones  overtook  Akamas  with  swift  strides,  and 


ILIAD  XVI,  343-371 


325 


smote  him  on  the  right  shoulder,  as  he  went  up  into  his 
chariot,  and  he  slipped  out  of  his  chariot,  and  mist  was 
poured  over  his  eyes.  And  Idomeneus  wounded  Eryinas 
on  the  mouth  with  the  pitiless  bronze,  and  the  spear  of 
bronze  went  clean  through  below,  beneath  the  brain,  and 
shattered  his  white  bones,  and  his  teeth  were  shaken  out, 
and  both  his  eyes  were  filled  with  blood,  and  he  blew  blood 
up  through  mouth  and  nostrils  as  he  gaped,  and  the  black 
cloud  of  death  covered  him  about. 

Thus  those  leaders  of  the  Danaans  slew  each  his  man. 
But  even  as  robber  wolves  fall  on  the  lambs  or  kids,  choosing 
them  out  of  the  herds,  when  they  are  scattered  on  hills  by  the 
witlessness  of  the  shepherd,  and  the  wolves  behold  it,  and 
speedily  harry  the  younglings  that  have  no  heart  of  courage, 
— even  so  the  Danaans  fell  on  the  Trojans,  and  they  were 
mindful  of  ill-sounding  flight,  and  forgot  their  impetuous 
valour. 

But  that  great  Aias  ever  was  fain  to  cast  his  spear  at 
Hector  of  the  helm  of  bronze,  but  he,  in  his  cunning  of 
war,  covered  his  broad  shoulders  with  his  shield  of  bulls’ 
hide,  and  watched  the  hurtling  of  the  arrows,  and  the  noise 
of  spears.  And  verily  well  he  knew  the  change  in  the  mastery 
;of  war,  but  even  so  he  abode,  and  was  striving  to  rescue  his 
trusty  comrades. 

And  as  when  from  Olympus  a cloud  fares  into  heaven, 
from  the  sacred  air,  when  Zeus  spreadeth  forth  the  tempest, 
even  so  from  the  ships  came  the  war-cry  and  the  rout, 
nor  in  order  due  did  they  cross  the  ditch  again.  But  his 
swift-footed  horses  bare  Hector  forth  with  his  arms,  and  he 
left  the  host  of  Troy,  whom  the  delved  trench  restrained 
against  their  will.  And  in  the  trench  did  many  swift  steeds 
that  draw  the  car  break  the  fore-part  of  the  pole,  and  leave 
die  chariots  of  their  masters. 


326  ILIAD  XVI,  372-403 

But  Patroklos  followed  after,  crying  fiercely  to  the  Dan- 
aans,  and  full  of  evil  will  against  the  Trojans,  while  they  with 
cries  and  flight  filled  all  the  ways,  for  they  were  scattered, 
and  on  high  the  storm  of  dust  was  scattered  below  the 
clouds,  and  the  whole-hooved  horses  strained  back  towards 
the  city,  away  from  the  ships  and  the  huts. 

But  even  where  Patroklos  saw  the  folk  thickest  in  the 
rout,  thither  did  he  guide  his  horses  with  a cry,  and  under 
his  axle-trees  men  fell  prone  from  their  chariots,  and  the 
cars  were  overturned  with  a din  of  shattering.  But  straight 
over  the  ditch,  in  forward  flight,  leaped  the  swift  [immortal] 
horses  [that  the  gods  gave  for  glorious  gifts  to  Peleus].  And 
the  heart  of  Patroklos  urged  him  against  Hector,  for  he  was  < 
eager  to  smite  him,  but  his  swift  steeds  bore  Hector  forth  and 
away.  And  even  as  beneath  a tempest  the  whole  black  earth 
is  oppressed,  on  an  autumn  day,  when  Zeus  pours  forth  rain 
most  vehemently,  being  in  wrath  and  anger  against  men, 
who  judge  crooked  judgments  forcefully  in  the  assembly, 
and  drive  justice  out,  and  reck  not  of  the  vengeance  of  the 
gods,  and  all  their  rivers  run  full,  and  many  a scaur  the 
torrents  tear  away,  and  down  to  the  dark  sea  they  rush  head- 
long from  the  hills,  roaring  mightily,  and  minished  are  the 
works  of  men,  even  so  mighty  was  the  roar  of  the  Trojan  1 
horses  as  they  ran. 

Now  Patroklos  when  he  had  cloven  the  nearest  companies, 
drave  them  backward  again  to  the  ships,  nor  suffered  them  1 
to  approach  the  city,  despite  their  desire,  but  between  the 
ships,  and  the  river,  and  the  lofty  wall,  he  rushed  on  them, 
and  slew  them,  and  avenged  many  a comrade  slain.  There 
first  he  smote  Pronoos  with  a shining  spear,  where  the 
shield  left  bare  the  breast,  and  loosened  his  limbs,  and  he 
fell  with  a crash.  Then  Thestor  the  son  of  Enops  he  next  ' j 
assailed,  as  he  sat  crouching  in  the  polished  chariot,  for 


ILIAD  XVI,  404-435 


327 


ha  was  struck  distraught,  and  the  reins  flew  from  his  hands. 
Him  he  drew  near,  and  smote  with  the  lance  on  the  right 
jaw,  and  clean  pierced  through  his  teeth.  And  Patroklos 
caught  hold  of  the  spear  and  dragged  him  over  the  rim  of 
the  cai',  as  when  a man  sits  on  a jutting  rock,  and  drags  a 
sacred  fish  forth  from  the  sea,  with  line  and  glittering  hook 
of  bronze;  so  on  the  bright  spear  dragged  he  Thestor  gaping 
from  the  chariot,  and  cast  him  down  on  his  face,  and  life  left 
him  as  he  fell.  Next,  as  Euryalos  came  on,  he  smote  him 
on  the  midst  of  the  head  with  a stone,  and  all  his  head  was 
shattered  within  the  strong  helmet,  and  prone  on  the  earth  he 
fell,  and  death  that  slayeth  the  spirit  overwhelmed  hira. 
Next  Erymas,  and  Amphoteros,  and  Epaltes  and  Tlepo- 
iemos  son  of  Damastor,  and  Echios  and  Pyris,  and  Ipheus 
and  Euippos,  and  Polymelos  son  of  Argeas,  all  these  in  turn 
tie  brought  low  to  the  bounteous  earth.  But  when  Sarpedon 
beheld  his  comrades  with  ungirdled  doublets,  subdued  be- 
neath the  hands  of  Patroklos  son  of  Menoitios,  he  cried 
uloud,  upbraiding  the  godlike  Lykians  : “ Shame,  ye  Lykians, 
vhither  do  ye  flee?  Now  be  ye  strong,  for  I will  encounter 
his  man  that  I may  know  who  he  is  that  conquers  here, 
and  verily  many  evils  hath  he  wrought  the  Trojans,  in  that 
le  hath  loosened  the  knees  of  many  men  and  noble.” 

So  spake  he,  and  leaped  with  his  arms  from  the  chariot 
o the  ground.  But  Patroklos,  on  the  other  side,  when  he 
reheld  him  leaped  from  his  chariot.  And  they,  like  vultures 
>f  crooked  talons  and  curved  beaks,  that  war  with  loud  yells 


»n  some  high  cliff,  even  so  they  rushed  with  cries  against 
ach  other.  And  beholding  then  the  son  of  Krcnos  of  the 
rooked  counsels  took  pity  on  them,  and  he  spake  to  Hera, 
is  sister  and  wife : “ Ah  woe  is  me  for  that  it  is  fated  that 
arpedon,  the  best-beloved  of  men  to  me,  shall  be  subdued 
nder  Patroklos  3on  of  Menoitios.  And  in  two  ways  my 


ILIAD  XVI,  435-468 


328 

heart  within  my  breast  is  divided,  as  I ponder  whether  I 
should  catch  him  up  alive  out  of  the  tearful  war,  and  set  him 
down  in  the  rich  land  of  Lykia,  or  whether  I should  now 
subdue  him  beneath  the  hands  of  the  son  of  Menoitios.” 

Then  the  ox-eyed  lady  Hera  made  answer  to  him  : “ Most 
dread  son  of  Kronos,  what  word  is  this  thou  hast  spoken  ? 
A mortal  man  long  doomed  to  fate  dost  thou  desire  to  deliver 
again  from  death  of  evil  name  ? Work  thy  will,  but  all  we 
other  gods  will  in  nowise  praise  thee.  And  another  thing  I 
will  tell  thee,  and  do  thou  lay  it  up  in  thy  heart ; if  thou  dost 
send  Sarpedon  living  to  his  own  house,  consider  lest  thereon 
some  other  god  likewise  desire  to  send  his  own  dear  son 
away  out  of  the  strong  battle.  For  round  the  great  citadel 
of  Priam  war  many  sons  of  the  Immortals,  and  among  the 
Immortals  wilt  thou  send  terrible  wrath.  But  if  he  be  dear 
to  thee,  and  thy  heart  mourns  for  him,  truly  then  suffer  him 
to  be  subdued  in  the  strong  battle  beneath  the  hands  of 
Patroklos  son  of  Menoitios,  but  when  his  soul  and  life  leave 
that  warrior,  send  Death  and  sweet  Sleep  to  bear  him,  even 
till  they  come  to  the  land  of  wide  Lykia,  there  will  his  kin- 
dred and  friends  bury  him,  with  a barrow  and  a pillar,  for 
this  is  the  due  of  the  dead.” 

So  spake  she,  nor  did  the  father  of  gods  and  men  dis- 
regard her.  But  he  shed  bloody  raindrops  on  the  earth, 
honouring  his  dear  son,  that  Patroklos  was  about  to  slay  in 
the  deep-soiled  land  of  Troia,  far  off  from  his  own  country. 
Now  when  they  were  come  near  each  other  in  onset,  there 
verily  did  Patroklos  smite  the  renowned  Thrasymelos,  the 
good  squire  of  the  prince  Sarpedon,  on  the  lower  part  of  the 
belly,  and  loosened  his  limbs.  But  Sarpedon  missed  him 
with  his  shining  javelin,  as  he  in  turn  rushed  on,  but 
wounded  the  horse  Pedasos  on  the  right  shoulder  with  the 
spear,  and  he  shrieked  as  he  breathed  his  life  away,  and 


ILIAD  XVI,  469-501 


329 


fell  crying  in  the  dust,  and  his  spirit  fled  from  him.  But 
the  other  twain  reared  this  way  and  that,  and  the  yoke 
creaked,  and  the  reins  were  confused  on  them,  when  their 
trace-horse  lay  in  the  dust.  But  thereof  did  Automedon, 
the  spearman  renowned,  find  a remedy,  and  drawing  his 
long-edged  sword  from  his  stout  thigh,  he  leaped  forth,  and 
cut  adrift  the  horse,  with  no  delay,  and  the  pair  righted 
themselves,  and  strained  in  the  reins,  and  they  met  again  in 
life-devouring  war. 

Then  again  Sarpedon  missed  with  his  shining  dart,  and 
the  point  of  the  spear  flew  over  the  left  shoulder  of  Patroklos 
and  smote  him  not,  but  he  in  turn  arose  with  the  bronze, 
and  his  javelin  flew  not  vainly  from  his  hand,  but  struck 
Sarpedon  even  where  the  midriff  clasps  the  beating  heart. 
And  he  fell  as  falls  an  oak,  or  a silver  poplar,  or  a slim  pine 
tree,  that  on  the  hills  the  shipwrights  fell  with  whetted  axes, 
to  be  timber  for  shipbuilding;  even  so  before  the  horses 
and  chariot  he  lay  at  length,  moaning  aloud,  and  clutch- 
ing at  the  bloody  dust.  And  as  when  a lion  hath  fallen 
on  a herd,  and  slain  a bull,  tawny  and  high  of  heart,  among 
the  kine  of  trailing  gait,  and  he  perishes  groaning  beneath 
the  claws  of  the  lion,  even  so  under  Patroklos  did  the 
leader  of  the  Lykian  shieldmen  rage,  even  in  death,  and 
he  called  to  his  dear  comrade  : “ Dear  Cdaukos,  warrior 
among  warlike  men,  now  most  doth  it  behove  thee  to  be 
a spearman,  and  a hardy  fighter : now  let  baneful  war  be 
dear  to  thee,  if  indeed  thou  art  a man  of  might.  First  fare 
all  about  and  urge  on  the  heroes  that  be  leaders  of  the 
Lykians,  to  fight  for  Sarpedon,  and  thereafter  thyself  do 
battle  for  me  with  the  sword.  For  to  thee  even  in  time  to  come 
shall  I be  shame  and  disgrace  for  ever,  all  thy  days,  if  the 
Achaians  strip  me  of  mine  armour,  fallen  in  the  gathering  of 
he  ships.  Nay,  hold  out  manfully,  and  spur  on  all  the  host" 


33° 


ILIAD  XVI,  502-533 


Even  as  he  spake  thus,  the  end  of  death  veiled  over  his  eyes 
and  his  nostrils,  but  Patroklos,  setting  foot  on  his  breast,  drew 
the  spear  out  of  his  flesh,  and  the  midriff  followed  with  the 
spear,  so  that  he  drew  forth  together  the  spear  point,  and 
the  soul  of  Sarpedon ; and  the  Myrmidons  held  there  his 
panting  steeds,  eager  to  fly  afar,  since  the  chariot  was  reft  of 
its  lords. 

Then  dread  sorrow  came  on  Glaukos,  when  he  heard 
the  voice  of  Sarpedon,  and  his  heart  was  stirred,  that 
he  availed  not  to  succour  him.  And  with  his  hand  he 
caught  and  held  his  arm,  for  the  wound  galled  him, 
the  wound  of  the  arrow  wherewith,  as  he  pressed  on  to- 
wards the  lofty  wall,  Teukros  had  smitten  him,  warding 
off  destruction  from  his  fellows.  Then  in  prayer  spake 
Glaukos  to  far -darting  Apollo : “ Hear,  O Prince  that 
art  somewhere  in  the  rich  land  of  Lykia,  or  in  Troia,  for 
thou  canst  listen  everywhere  to  the  man  that  is  in  need, 
as  even  now  need  cometh  upon  me.  For  I have  this  stark 
wound,  and  mine  arm  is  throughly  pierced  with  sharp 
pains,  nor  can  my  blood  be  stanched,  and  by  the  wound; 
is  my  shoulder  burdened,  and  I cannot  hold  my  spear  firm, 
nor  go  and  fight  against  the  enemy.  And  the  best  of  mer. 
has  perished,  Sarpedon,  the  son  of  Zeus,  and  he  succours 
not  even  his  own  child.  But  do  thou,  O Prince,  heal  me 
this  stark  wound,  and  lull  my  pains,  and  give  me  strength, 
that  I may  call  on  my  Lykian  kinsmen,  and  spur  them  to 
the  war,  and  myself  may  fight  about  the  dead  man  fallen.” 

So  spake  he  in  his  prayer,  and  Phoebus  Apollo  heard  him. 
Straightway  he  made  his  pains  to  cease,  and  in  the  grievous 
wound  stanched  the  black  blood,  and  put  courage  into  his 
heart  And  Glaukos  knew  it  within  him,  and  was  glad, 
for  that  the  great  god  speedily  heard  his  prayer.  First 
went  he  all  about  and  urged  on  them  that  were  leaders  of 


ILIAD  XVI,  533-563 


33 1 


;he  Lykians  to  fight  around  Sarpedon,  and  thereafter  he 
vent  with  long  strides  among  the  Trojans,  to  Polydamas 
son  of  Panthoos  and  noble  Agenor,  and  he  went  after 
Aineias,  and  Hector  of  the  helm  of  bronze,  and  standing 
oy  them  spake  winged  words  : “ Hector,  now  surely  art 
:hou  utterly  forgetful  of  the  allies,  that  for  thy  sake  far 
from  their  friends  and  their  own  country,  breathe  their 
iives  away  ! but  thou  carest  not  to  aid  them ! Sarpedon 
lies  low,  the  leader  of  the  Lykian  shieldmen,  he  that  de- 
fended Lykia  by  his  dooms  and  his  might,  yea  him  hath 
mailed  Ares  subdued  beneath  the  spear  of  Patroklos.  But, 
friends,  stand  by  him,  and  be  angry  in  your  hearts  lest  the 
Myrmidons  strip  him  of  his  harness,  and  dishonour  the 
dead,  in  wrath  for  the  sake  of  the  Danaans,  even  them  that 
perished,  whom  we  slew  with  spears  by  the  swift  ships.” 

So  spake  he,  and  sorrow  seized  the  Trojans  utterly,  un- 
governable and  not  to  be  borne ; for  Sarpedon  was  ever 
the  stay  of  their  city,  all  a stranger  as  he  was,  for  many 
people  followed  with  him,  and  himself  the  best  warrior 
of  them  all.  Then  they  made  straight  for  the  Danaans 
eagerly,  and  Hector  led  them,  being  wroth  for  Sarpedon’s 
sake.  But  the  fierce  heart  of  Patroklos  son  of  Menoitios 
urged  on  the  Achaians.  And  he  spake  first  to  the  twain 
Aiantes  that  themselves  were  right  eager  : “ Aiantes,  now 
let  defence  be  your  desire,  and  be  such  as  afore  ye  were 
among  men,  or  even  braver  yet.  That  man  lies  low  who 
first  leaped  on  to  the  wall  of  the  Achaians,  even  Sarpedon. 
Nay,  let  us  strive  to  take  him,  and  work  his  body  shame, 
and  strip  the  harness  from  his  shoulders,  and  many  a one 
of  his  comrades  fighting  for  his  sake  let  us  subdue  with  the 
pitiless  bronze.” 

So  spake  he,  and  they  themselves  were  eager  in  defence. 
So  on  both  sides  they  strengthened  the  companies,  Trojans 


ILIAD  XVI,  563-597 


332 

and  Lykians,  Myrmidons  and  Achaians,  and  they  joined  battle 
to  fight  around  the  dead  man  fallen;  terribly  they  shouted, 
and  loud  rang  the  harness  of  men.  But  Zeus  drew  baneful 
night  above  the  strong  battle,  that  round  his  dear  son  might 
be  the  woful  toil  of  wrar.  Now  first  the  Trojans  drove  back 
the  bright-eyed  Achaians,  for  a man  in  no  wise  the  worst 
among  the  Myrmidons  was  smitten,  the  son  of  great-hearted 
Agakles,  goodly  Epeigeus,  who  ruled  fair-set  Boudeion  of  old, 
but  when  he  had  slain  a good  man  of  his  kin,  to  Pe'leus  he 
came  as  a suppliant,  and  to  silver-footed  Thetis.  And  they  sent 
him  to  follow  with  Achilles,  the  breaker  of  the  ranks  of  men, 
to  Ilios  of  the  goodly  steeds,  to  war  with  the  Trojans.  Then 
him,  as  he  was  laying  hold  of  the  dead  man,  did  renowned 
Plector  smite  on  the  head  with  a stone,  and  all  his  head  was 
broken  in  twain  within  the  strong  helm,  and  prone  on  the 
dead  he  fell,  and  round  him  was  poured  death  that  slayeth  the' 
spirit.  Then  grief  came  on  Patro’klos  for  his  comrade  slain,, 
and  he  rushed  through  the  foremost  fighters,  like  to  a falcon 
swift  of  flight,  that  scareth  daws  and  starlings,  even  so  against 
the  Lykians,  O Patroklos,  warrior  - charioteer,  and  against 
the  Trojans  didst  thou  rush,  being  wroth  at  heart  for  thy 
comrade’s  sake.  And  he  smote  Sthenelaos,  the  dear  son  of 
Ithaimenes,  on  the  neck,  with  a stone,  and  brake  away  his 
sinews.  Then  back  drew  the  foremost  fighters,  and  renowned 
Hector.  And  as  far  as  is  the  flight  of  a long  javelin,  that  a 
man  casts,  making  trial  of  his  skill,  either  in  a contest  for  a 
prize,  or  in  war,  being  pressed  by  deadly  foemen,  so  far  did 
the  Trojans  draw  back,  and  the  Achaians  drave  them.  And 
Glaukos  first,  the  leader  of  the  Lykian  shieldmen,  turned 
him  about,  and  slew  Bathykles  great  of  heart,  the  dear  son 
of  Chalkon,  that  dwelt  in  his  home  in  Hellas,  and  fori 
wealth  and  riches  was  pre-eminent  among  the  Myrmidons. 
Him  did  Glaukos  wound  in  the  mid-breast  with  a spear, 


ILIAD  XVI,  598-627 


333 


uming  suddenly  about,  when  Bathykles  was  about  to  seize 
lim  as  he  followed  hard  after  him.  With  a crash  he  fell, 
ind  great  woe  came  on  the  Achaians,  that  a good  man 
vas  down,  but  mightily  did  the  Trojans  rejoice.  And 
hey  all  thronged  around  him  and  stood  firm,  nor  did 
he  Achaians  forget  their  valour,  but  bare  their  might 
;traight  down  on  them.  There  likewise  Meriones  slew  a 
nailed  warrior  of  the  Trojans,  Laogonos,  the  bold  son  of 
3netor,  that  was  priest  of  Idaean  Zeus,  and  as  a god 
vas  honoured  by  the  people, — him  he  smote  beneath 
he  jaw  and  the  ear,  and  swiftly  his  spirit  departed  from 
lis  limbs,  and  so  loathly  darkness  gat  hold  on  him.  And 
Nineias  cast  against  Meriones  his  spear  of  bronze,  for  he 
toped  to  smite  him  as  he  came  on  beneath  the  shield, 
lut  he  kept  a forward  watch,  and  avoided  the  spear  of 
ironze,  stooping  forward,  and  behind  him  the  long  dart 
tood  fast  in  the  ground,  but  the  butt  of  the  spear  quivered, 
md  there  then  strong  Ares  took  its  strength  away.  [And  the 
pear  of  Aineias  sunk  quivering  into  the  earth,  since  vainly 
t had  sped  from  his  strong  hand]-  But  Aineias  was  wroth 
it  heart,  and  spake  aloud  : “ Meriones,  swiftly  should  my 
pear  have  stopped  thy  dancing  for  ever,  good  dancer  a? 
hou  art,  if  I had  but  struck  thee.” 

But  to  him  again  Meriones,  spearman  renowned,  replied  : 
‘ Aineias,  it  is  hard  for  thee,  strong  as  thou  art,  to  quench 
he  might  of  every  man  that  cometh  against  thee  in  battle, 
/ea,  thou  too  art  a mortal.  And  if  ever  I should  cast  at 
hee  and  strike  thee  in  the  midst  with  the  sharp  bronze, 
juickly  shouldst  thou  for  all  thy  valour  and  trust  in  thy 
lands  give  glory  to  me,  and  thy  soul  to  Hades  of  the 
amous  steeds.” 

So  spake  he,  but  him  did  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios 
ebuke : “ Meriones,  why  speakest  thou  thus,  thou  that  art 


334 


ILIAD  XVI,  628-661 


a man  of  valour?  O my  friend,  not  for  railing  words  will 
the  Trojans  draw  back  from  the  dead,  the  earth  must  hole 
some  fast  ere  that  may  be.  For  in  the  hands  of  men  is  the 
end  of  war,  but  of  words  the  end  is  in  council,  wherefore  in 
no  wise  should  we  multiply  words,  but  do  battle.” 

So  speaking,  he  began,  and  the  other  followed  him,  s 
godlike  man.  And  as  the  din  ariseth  of  woodcutters  in  the 
glades  of  a mountain,  and  the  sound  thereof  is  heard  fai 
away,  so  rose  the  din  of  them  from  the  wide-wayed  earth,  the 
noise  of  bronze  and  of  well-tanned  bulls’  hides  smitten  with 
swords  and  double-pointed  spears.  And  now  not  even  a 
clear-sighted  man  could  any  longer  have  known  noble  Sar- 
pedon,  for  with  darts  and  blood  and  dust  was  he  covered 
wholly  from  head  to  foot.  And  ever  men  thronged  about  the 
dead,  as  in  a steading  flies  buzz  around  the  full  milk-pails,  in 
the  season  of  spring,  when  the  milk  drenches  the  bowls,  even 
so  thronged  they  about  the  dead.  Nor  ever  did  Zeus  turn 
from  the  strong  fight  his  shining  eyes,  but  ever  looked  down 
on  them,  and  much  in  his  heart  he  debated  of  the  slaying  of 
Patroklos,  whether  there  and  then  above  divine  Sarpedon 
glorious  Hector  should  slay  him  likewise  in  strong  battle 
with  the  sword,  and  strip  his  harness  from  his  shoulders,  or 
whether  to  more  men  yet  he  should  deal  sheer  labour  of 
war.  And  thus  to  him  as  he  pondered  it  seemed  the  better 
way,  that  the  gallant  squire  of  Achilles,  Peleus’  son,  should 
straightway  drive  the  Trojans  and  Hector  of  the  helm  of 
bronze  towards  the  city,  and  should  rob  many  of  their  life. 
And  in  Hector  first  he  put  a weakling  heart,  and  leaping  into 
his  car  Hector  turned  in  flight,  and  cried  on  the  rest  of  the 
Trojans  to  flee,  for  he  knew  the  turning  of  the  sacred  scales 
of  Zeus.  Thereon  neither  did  the  strong  Lykians  abide,  but 
fled  all  in  fear,  when  they  beheld  their  king  stricken  to  the1 
heart,  lying  in  the  company  of  the  dead,  for  many  had  fallen 


ILIAD  XVI,  662-697 


335 


ibove  him,  when  Kronion  made  fierce  the  fight.  Then  the 
others  stripped  from  the  shoulders  of  Sarpedon  his  shining 
urns  of  bronze,  and  these  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios  gave 
0 his  comrades  to  bear  to  the  hollow  ships.  Then  Zeus  that 
;athereth  the  clouds  spake  to  Apollo  : “ Prithee,  dear  Phoe- 
bus, go  take  Sarpedon  out  of  range  of  darts,  and  cleanse  the 
flack  blood  from  him,  and  thereafter  bear  him  far  away,  and 
)athe  him  in  the  streams  of  the  river,  and  anoint  him  with  am- 
brosia, and  clothe  him  in  garments  that  wax  not  old,  and  send 
lim  to  be  wafted  by  fleet  convoy,  by  the  twin  brethren  Sleep 
ind  Death,  that  quickly  will  set  him  in  the  rich  land  of  wide 
^ykia.  There  will  his  kinsmen  and  clansmen  give  him  burial, 
vith  barrow  and  pillar,  for  such  is  the  due  of  the  dead.” 

So  spake  he,  nor  was  Apollo  disobedient  to  his  father. 
3e  went  down  the  hills  of  Ida  to  the  dread  battle-din,  and 
itraiglitway  bore  goodly  Sarpedon  out  of  the  darts,  and 
carried  him  far  away,  and  bathed  him  in  the  streams  of  the 
fiver,  and  anointed  him  with  ambrosia,  and  clad  him  in  gar- 
nents  that  wax  not  old,  and  sent  him  to  be  wafted  by  fleet 
iconvoy,  the  twin  brethren  Sleep  and  Death,  that  swiftly  set 
lim  down  in  the  rich  land  of  wide  Lykia.  But  Patroklos 
tried  to  his  horses  and  Automedon,  and  after  the  Trojans 
ind  Lykians  went  he,  and  so  was  blindly  forgetful,  in  his 
vitlessness,  for  if  he  had  kept  the  saying  of  the  son  of  Peleus, 
eerily  he  should  have  escaped  the  evil  fate  of  black  death, 
lut  ever  is  the  wit  of  Zeus  stronger  than  the  wit  of  men,  [for  he 
Iriveth  the  valiant  man  in  flight,  and  easily  taketh  away  the 
'ictory,  and  then  again  himself  rouseth  men  to  fight], so  now 
le  roused  the  spirit  of  Patroklos  in  his  breast.  There  whom 
irst,  whom  last  didst  thou  slay,  Patroklos,  when  the  gods 
ailed  thee  deathward  ? Adrestos  first,  and  Autonoos,  and 
Lcheklos,  and  Perimos,  son  of  Megas,  and  Epistor,  and  Me- 
anippos,  and  thereafter  Elasos,  and  Moulios,  and  Pylartes  • 


33<5 


ILIAD  XVI,  698-728 


these  he  slew,  but  the  others  were  each  man  of  them  fain  01 
flight.  Then  would  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  have  taker 
high-gated  Troy,  by  the  hands  of  Patroklos,  for  around  anc 
before  him  he  raged  with  the  spear,  but  that  Phoebus  Apollc 
stood  on  the  well-builded  wall,  with  baneful  thoughts  towards 
Patroklos,  and  succouring  the  Trojans.  Thrice  clomt 
Patroklos  on  the  corner  of  the  lofty  wall,  and  thrice  did 
Apollo  force  him  back  and  smote  the  shining  shield  with  his 
immortal  hands.  But  when  for  the  fourth  time  he  came  or 
like  a god,  then  cried  far-darting  Apollo  terribly,  and  spake 
winged  words : “ Give  back,  Patroklos  of  the  seed  of  Zeus! 
Not  beneath  thy  spear  is  it  fated  that  the  citv  of  the  valiant 
Trojans  shall  fall,  nay  nor  beneath  Achilles,  a man  far  bettei 
than  thou.” 

So  spake  he,  and  Patroklos  retreated  far  back,  avoiding 
the  wrath  of  far-darting  Apollo.  But  Hector  within  the 
Skaian  gates  was  restraining  his  whole-hooved  horses,  pon- 
dering whether  he  should  drive  again  into  the  din  and 
fight,  or  should  call  unto  the  host  to  gather  to  the  wall. 
While  thus  he  was  thinking,  Phoebus  Apollo  stood  by  him 
in  the  guise  of  a young  man  and  a strong,  Asios,  who  was 
the  mother’s  brother  of  horse-taming  Hector,  being  own 
brother  of  Hekabe,  and  son  of  Dymas,  who  dwelt  in  Phrygia, 
on  the  streams  of  Sangarios.  In  his  guise  spake  Apollo,  son 
of  Zeus,  to  Hector : “ Hector,  wherefore  dost  thou  cease 
from  fight  ? It  doth  not  behove  thee.  Would  that  I were 
as  much  stronger  than  thou  as  I am  weaker,  thereon  quickly 
shouldst  thou  stand  aloof  from  war  to  thy  hurt.  But  come, 
turn  against  Patroklos  thy  strong-hooved  horses,  if  perchance 
thou  mayst  slay  him,  and  Apollo  give  thee  glory.” 

So  spake  the  god,  and  went  back  again  into  the  moil  of) 
men.  But  renowned  Hector  bade  wise-hearted  Kebriones 
to  lash  his  horses  into  the  war.  Then  Apollo  went  and! 


ILIAD  XVI,  729-761 


33  7 


passed  into  the  press,  and  sent  a dread  panic  among  the 
Argives,  but  to  the  Trojans  and  Hector  gave  he  renown. 
And  Hector  let  the  other  Argives  be,  and  slew  none  of  them, 
but  against  Patroklos  he  turned  his  strong-hooved  horses, 
and  Patroklos  on  the  other  side  leaped  from  his  chariot  to 
the  ground,  with  a spear  in  his  left  hand,  and  in  his  other 
hand  grasped  a shining  jagged  stone,  that  his  hand  covered. 
Firmly  he  planted  himself  and  hurled  it,  nor  long  did  he 
shrink  from  his  foe,  nor  was  his  cast  in  vain,  but  he  struck 
Kebriones  the  charioteer  of  Hector,  the  bastard  son  of  re- 
nowned Priam,  on  the  brow  with  the  sharp  stone,  as  he  held 
the  reins  of  the  horses.  Both  his  brows  the  stone  drave 
together,  and  his  bone  held  not,  but  his  eyes  fell  to  the 
ground  in  the  dust,  there,  in  front  of  his  feet.  Then  he, 
like  a diver,  fell  from  the  well-wrought  car,  and  his  spirit 
left  his  bones.  Then  taunting  him  didst  thou  address  him, 
knightly  Patroklos : “ Out  on  it,  how  nimble  a man,  how 
lightly  he  diveth  ! Yea,  if  perchance  he  were  on  the  teem- 
ing deep,  this  man  would  satisfy  many  by  seeking  for  oysters, 
leaping  from  the  ship,  even  if  it  were  stormy  weather,  so 
lightly  now  he  diveth  from  the  chariot  into  the  plain. 
Verily  among  the  Trojans  too  there  be  diving  men.” 

So  speaking  he  set  on  the  hero  Kebriones  with  the  rush 
of  a lion,  that  while  wasting  the  cattle-pens  is  smitten  in 
the  breast,  and  his  own  valour  is  his  bane,  even  so  against 
Kebriones,  Patroklos,  didst  thou  leap  furiously.  But  Hector, 
on  the  other  side,  leaped  from  his  chariot  to  the  ground. 
And  these  twain  strove  for  Kebriones  like  lions,  that  on  the 
mountain  peaks  fight,  both  hungering,  both  high  of  heart, 
for  a slain  hind.  Even  so  for  Kebriones’  sake  these  two 
masters  of  the  war-cry,  Patroklos  son  of  Menoitios,  and 
'enowned  Hector,  were  eager  each  to  hew  the  other’s  flesh 
with  the  ruthless  bronze. 

1 


33 


ILIAD  XVI,  762-795 


Hector  then  seized  him  by  the  head,  and  slackened  not 
hold,  while  Patroklos  on  the  other  side  grasped  him  by 
the  foot,  and  thereon  the  others,  Trojans  and  Danaans, 
joined  strong  battle.  And  as  the  East  wind  and  the  South 
contend  with  one  another  in  shaking  a deep  wood  in  the 
dells  of  a mountain,  shaking  beech,  and  ash,  and  smooth- 
barked  cornel  tree,  that  clash  against  each  other  their  long 
boughs  with  marvellous  din,  and  a noise  of  branches  broken, 
so  the  Trojans  and  Achaians  were  leaping  on  each  other  and 
slaying,  nor  had  either  side  any  thought  of  ruinous  flight 
And  many  sharp  darts  were  fixed  around  Kebriones,  and 
winged  arrows  leaping  from  the  bow-string,  and  many  mighty 
stones  smote  the  shields  of  them  that  fought  around  him. 
But  he  in  the  whirl  of  dust  lay  mighty  and  mightily  fallen, 
forgetful  of  his  chivalry. 

Now  while  the  sun  was  going  about  mid-heaven,  so 
long  the  darts  smote  either  side,  and  the  host  fell,  but  when 
the  sun  turned  to  the  time  of  the  loosing  of  oxen,  lo,  then 
beyond  their  doom  the  Achaians  proved  the  better.  The 
hero  Kebriones  drew  they  forth  from  the  darts,  out  of  the 
tumult  of  the  Trojans,  and  stripped  the  harness  from  his 
shoulders,  and  with  ill  design  against  the  Trojans,  Patroklos 
rushed  upon  them.  Three  times  then  rushed  he  on,  peer 
of  swift  Ares,  shouting  terribly,  and  thrice  he  slew  nine  men. 
But  when  the  fourth  time  he  sped  on  like  a god,  thereon  to 
thee,  Patroklos,  did  the  end  of  life  appear,  for  Phoebus  met 
thee  in  the  strong  battle,  in  dreadful  wise.  And  Patroklos 
was  not  ware  of  him  coming  through  the  press,  for  hidden 
in  thick  mist  did  he  meet  him,  and  stood  behind  him,  and 
smote  his  back  and  broad  shoulders  with  a down-stroke  of 
his  hand,  and  his  eyes  were  dazed.  And  from  his  head  Phoe- 
bus Apollo  smote  the  helmet  that  rolled  rattling  away  with 
a din  beneath  the  hooves  of  the  horses,  the  helm  with  upright 


ILIAD  XVI,  796-826 


339 


ocket,  and  the  crests  were  defiled  with  blood  and  dust.  Not 
if  old  was  it  suffered  that  the  helm  with  horse-hair  crest 
hould  be  defiled  with  dust,  nay,  but  it  kept  the  head  and 
leautiful  face  of  a man  divine,  even  of  Achilles.  But  as 
hen  Zeus  gave  it  to  Hector,  to  bear  on  his  head,  yet  was 
lestruction  near  him.  And  all  the  long-shadowed  spear  was 
hattered  in  the  hands  of  Patroklos,  the  spear  great  and 
ieavy  and  strong,  and  sharp,  while  from  his  shoulders  the 
asselled  shield  with  the  baldric  fell  to  the  ground. 

And  the  prince  Apollo,  son  of  Zeus,  loosed  his  corslet, 
nd  blindness  seized  his  heart  and  his  shining  limbs  were 
nstrung,  and  he  stood  in  amaze,  and  at  close  quarters  from 
•ehind  a Dardanian  smote  him  on  the  back,  between  the 
houlders,  with  a sharp  spear,  even  Euphorbos,  son  of  Pan- 
hobs,  who  excelled  them  of  his  age  in  casting  the  spear,  and  in 
orsemanship,  and  in  speed  of  foot.  Even  thus,  verily,  had  he 
ast  down  twenty  men  from  their  chariots,  though  then  first 
ad  he  come  with  his  car  to  learn  the  lesson  of  war.  He 
. was  that  first  smote  a dart  into  thee,  knightly  Patroklos,  nor 
vercame  thee,  but  ran  back  again  and  mingled  with  the 
arong,  first  drawing  forth  from  the  flesh  his  ashen  spear,  nor 
id  he  abide  the  onset  of  Patroklos,  unarmed  as  he  was,  in 
oe  strife.  But  Patroklos,  being  overcome  by  the  stroke  of 
ae  god,  and  by  the  spear,  gave  ground,  and  retreated  to  the 
ost  of  his  comrades,  avoiding  Fate.  But  Hector,  when  he 
eheld  great-hearted  Patroklos  give  ground,  being  smitten 
nth  the  keen  bronze,  came  nigh  unto  him  through  the 
mks,  and  wounded  him  with  a spear,  in  the  lowermost  part 
f the  belly,  and  drave  the  bronze  clean  through.  And  he 
ill  with  a crash,  and  sorely  grieved  the  host  of  Achaians. 
md  as  when  a lion  hath  overcome  in  battle  an  untiring  boar, 
iey  twain  fighting  with  high  heart  on  the  crests  of  a hill, 
bout  a little  well,  and  both  are  desirous  to  drink,  and  the 


340 


ILIAD  XVI,  826-856 


lion  hath  by  force  overcome  the  boar  that  draweth  difficult 
breath  ; so  after  that  he  had  slain  many  did  Hector  son 
of  Priam  take  the  life  away  from  the  strong  son  of  Menoitios, 
smiting  him  at  close  quarters  with  the  spear ; and  boasting 
over  him  he  spake  winged  words : “ Patroklos,  surely  thou 
saidst  that  thou  wouldst  sack  my  town,  and  from  Trojan 
women  take  away  the  day  of  freedom,  and  bring  them  in 
ships  to  thine  own  dear  country : fool ! nay,  in  front  of  these 
were  the  swift  horses  of  Hector  straining  their  speed  for  the 
fight ; and  myself  in  wielding  the  spear  excel  among  the  war- 
loving  Trojans,  even  I who  ward  from  them  the  day  oi 
destiny : but  thee  shall  vultures  here  devour.  Ah,  wretch, 
surely  Achilles  for  all  his  valour,  availed  thee  not, who  straitly 
charged  thee  as  thou  earnest,  he  abiding  there,  saying,  ‘ Come 
not  to  me,  Patroklos  lord  of  steeds,  to  the  hollow  ships,  till 
thou  hast  torn  the  gory  doublet  of  man-slaying  Hector  about 
his  breast ; ’ so,  surely,  he  spake  to  thee,  and  persuaded  the 
wits  of  thee  in  thy  witlessness.” 

Then  faintly  didst  thou  answer  him,  knightly  Patroklos : 
“ Boast  greatly,  as  now,  Hector,  for  to  thee  have  Zeus,  son 
of  Kronos,  and  Apollo  given  the  victory,  who  lightly  have 
subdued  me ; for  themselves  stripped  my  harness  from  my 
shoulders.  But  if  twenty  such  as  thou  had  encountered  me, 
here  had  they  all  perished,  subdued  beneath  my  spear.  But 
me  have  ruinous  Fate  and  the  son  of  Leto  slain,  and  of  men 
Euphorbos,  but  thou  art  the  third  in  my  slaying.  But 
another  thing  will  I tell  thee,  and  do  thou  lay  it  up  in  thy 
heart ; verily  thou  thyself  art  not  long  to  live,  but  already 
doth  Death  stand  hard  by  thee,  and  strong  Fate,  that  thou 
art  to  be  subdued  by  the  hands  of  noble  Achilles,  of  the 
seed  of  Aiakos.” 

Even  as  so  he  spake  the  end  of  death  overshadowed 
him.  And  his  soul,  fleeting  from  his  limbs,  went  down  to 


ILIAD  XVI,  856-867  341 

he  house  of  Hades,  wailing  its  own  doom,  leaving  manhood 
ind  youth. 

Then  renowned  Hector  spake  to  him  even  in  his  death  : 
‘ Patroklos,  wherefore  to  me  dost  thou  prophesy  sheer  de- 
struction ? who  knows  but  that  Achilles,  the  child  of  fair- 
ressed  Thetis,  will  first  be  smitten  by  my  spear,  and  lose  his 
ife?” 

So  spake  he,  and  drew  the  spear  of  bronze  from  the 
round,  setting  his  foot  on  the  dead,  and  cast  him  off  on  his 
>ack  from  the  spear.  And  straightway  with  the  spear  he 
rent  after  Automedon,  the  godlike  squire  of  the  swift-footed 
Uakides,  for  he  was  eager  to  smite  him ; but  his  swift-footed 
mmortal  horses  bare  him  out  of  the  battle,  horses  that  the 
;ods  gave  to  Peleus  a splendid  gift. 


BOOK  XVII. 


Of  the  battle  around  the  body  of  Patroklos. 

But  Atreus’  son,  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares,  was  not  unawart 
of  the  slaying  of  Patroklos  by  the  Trojans  in  the  fray.  H< 
went  up  through  the  front  of  the  fight  harnessed  in  flashinf 
bronze,  and  strode  over  the  body  as  above  a first-born  cal 
standeth  lowing  its  mother,  ere  then  unused  to  motherhood 
Thus  above  Patroklos  strode  fair-haired  Menelaos,  and  be 
fore  him  held  his  spear  and  the  circle  of  his  shield,  eage 
to  slay  whoever  should  encounter  him.  Then  was  Panthoos 
son  of  the  stout  ashen  spear  not  heedless  of  noble  Patroklo 
as  he  lay,  and  he  stood  anigh  him  and  spake  to  Menelao 
dear  to  Ares : “ Atreus’  son  Menelaos,  Zeus-fostered,  cap 
tain  of  the  host,  give  back  and  leave  the  body  and  yiel< 
the  bloody  spoils ; for  before  me  was  there  none  of  th 
Trojans  and  their  famed  allies  who  smote  Patroklos  wit! 
the  spear  in  the  stress  of  fight ; wherefore  yield  me  this  fai 
glory  to  win  among  the  Trojans,  lest  I hurl  and  smite  the< 
and  bereave  thee  of  sweet  life.” 

Then  sorely  wroth  spake  unto  him  fair -haired  Mene 
laos  : “ O father  Zeus,  no  seemly  thing  is  it  to  boast  abov 
measure.  Verily  neither  is  spirit  of  pard  or  of  lion  or  ( 
cruel  wild  boar,  in  the  strength  of  whose  breast  raget 
fury  fiercest  of  all,  so  high  as  those  proud  spirits  of  Pat 
thcos’  sons  of  the  good  ashen  spear.  Yet  had  the  mighl 


ILIAD  XVII,  24-54 


343 


Hyperenor,  tamer  of  horses,  no  profit  of  his  youth  when  he 
•eviled  me  and  abode  my  onset  and  deemed  that  I was  the 
neanest  warrior  among  the  Danaans ; not  on  his  own  feet, 
l ween,  did  he  fare  home  to  gladden  his  dear  wife  and  his 
;ood  parents.  Thus,  methinketh,  will  I quench  thy  spirit 
ilso,  if  thou  stand  up  against  me ; rather  I bid  thee  get  thee 
>ack  into  the  throng  nor  stand  to  encounter  me,  or  ever 
ome  ill  thing  befall  thee ; by  the  event  is  even  a fool  made 
rise.” 

Thus  he  said,  but  persuaded  not  the  other,  but  he  spake 

0 him  in  answer:  “Now  therefore,  Zeus-fostered  Mene- 
10s,  thou  shalt  in  very  deed  pay  for  my  brother  whpm  thou 
fewest  and  boastest  over,  and  therewithal  didst  leave  his 
-ife  a widow  in  her  new  bridal-chamber  afar,  and  to  his 
arents  broughtest  lamentation  unspeakable 1 and  woe. 
rerily  to  those  hapless  twain  shall  I be  for  a withstaying  of 
neir  lamentation,  if  I shall  carry  back  thy  head  and  armour 
nd  lay  them  in  the  hands  of  Panthoos  and  noble  Phrontis. 
iut  now  no  longer  shall  the  struggle  be  untried  or  unfought, 
hether  for  victory  or  for  rout.” 

Thus  saying  he  smote  on  the  circle  of  the  shield  of  Mene- 
*os,  but  the  bronze  spear  brake  it  not,  but  the  point  was 
sent  back  in  the  stubborn  shield.  And  Menelaos  Atreus’  son 

1 his  turn  made  at  him  with  his  bronze  spear,  having  prayed 
nto  father  Zeus,  and  as  he  gave  back  pierced  the  nether 
irt  of  his  throat,  and  threw  his  weight  into  the  stroke,  fol- 
■wing  his  heavy  hand ; and  sheer  through  the  tender  neck 
,ent  the  point  of  the  spear.  And  he  fell  with  a crash,  and 
s armour  rang  upon  him.  In  blood  was  his  hair  drenched 
at  was  like  unto  the  hair  of  the  Graces,  and  his  tresses  closely 
lit  with  bands  of  silver  and  gold.  As  when  a man  reareth 
me  lusty  sapling  of  an  olive  in  a clear  space  where  water 

1 Reading  S.pprp-e*>. 


344 


ILIAD  XVII.  54-87 


springeth  plenteously,  a goodly  shoot  fair-growing ; and 
blasts  of  all  winds  shake  it,  yet  it  bursteth  into  white  blos- 
som ; then  suddenly  cometh  the  wind  of  a great  hurricane 
and  wresteth  it  out  of  its  abiding  place  and  stretcheth  it  out 
upon  the  earth  : even  so  lay  Panthods’  son  Euphorbos  of  the 
good  ashen  spear  when  Menelaos  Atreus’  son  had  slain  him, 
and  despoiled  him  of  his  arms. 

Now  as  when  some  mountain-bred  lion,  trusting  in  his 
might,  hath  seized  the  best  heifer  out  of  a feeding  herd,  and 
first  taketh  her  neck  in  his  strong  teeth  and  breaketh  it,  and 
then  devoureth  fiercely  the  blood  and  all  the  inward  parts, 
while  around  him  hounds  and  herdsmen  clamour  loudly 
afar  off  yet  will  not  come  up  against  him,  for  pale  fear 
taketh  hold  on  them, — even  so  dared  not  the  heart  in  the 
breast  of  any  Trojan  to  come  up  against  glorious  Menelaos. 
Then  easily  would  the  son  of  Atreus  have  borne  off  the 
noble  spoils  of  Panthods’  son,  had  not  Phoebus  Apollo 
grudged  it  him,  and  aroused  against  him  Hector  peer  of 
swift  Ares,  putting  on  the  semblance  of  a man,  of  Mentes 
chief  of  the  Kikones.  And  he  spake  aloud  to  him  winged 
words  : “ Hector,  now  art  thou  hasting  after  things  unattain- 
able, even  the  horses  of  wise  Aiakides ; for  hard  are  they 
to  be  tamed  or  driven  by  mortal  man,  save  only  Achilles 
whom  an  immortal  mother  bare.  Meanwhile  hath  warlike 
Menelaos  Atreus’  son  stridden  over  Patroklos  and  slain  the 
best  of  the  Trojans  there,  even  Panthods’  son  Euphorbos, 
and  hath  stayed  him  in  his  impetuous  might.” 

Thus  saying  the  god  went  back  into  the  strife  of  men,  but 
dire  grief  darkened  Hector’s  inmost  soul,  and  then  he  gazed 
searchingly  along  the  lines,  and  straightway  was  aware  of  the 
one  man  stripping  off  the  noble  arms,  and  the  other  lying 
on  the  earth ; and  blood  was  flowing  about  the  gaping  wound 
Then  he  went  through  the  front  of  the  fight  harnessed  in 


ILIAD  XVII,  87-120 


345 


flashing  bronze,  crying  a shrill  cry,  like  unto  Hephaistos' 
flame  unquenchable.  Not  deaf  to  his  shrill  cry  was  Atreus’ 
son,  and  sore  troubled  he  spake  to  his  great  heart : “ Ay 
me,  if  I shall  leave  behind  me  these  goodly  arms,  and 
Patroklos  who  here  lieth  for  my  vengeance’  sake,  I fear  lest 
some  Danaan  beholding  it  be  wroth  against  me.  But  if  for 
honour’s  sake  I do  battle  alone  with  Hector  and  the  Tro- 
jans, I fear  lest  they  come  about  me  many  against  one ; for 
all  the  Trojans  is  bright-helmed  Hector  leading  hither.  But 
wherefore  thus  debateth  my  heart  ? When  a man  against 
the  power  of  heaven  is  fain  to  fight  with  another  whom  God 
exalteth,  then  swiftly  rolleth  on  him  mighty  woe.  Therefore 
shall  none  of  the  Danaans  be  wroth  with  me  though  he  be- 
hold me  giving  place  to  Hector,  since  he  warreth  with  gods 
upon  his  side.  But  if  I might  somewhere  find  Aias  of  the 
loud  war-cry,  then  both  together  would  we  go  and  be  mindful 
of  battle  even  were  it  against  the  power  of  heaven,  if  haply 
we  might  save  his  dead  for  Achilles  Peleus’  son  : that  were 
best  among  these  ills.” 

While  thus  he  communed  with  his  mind  and  heart,  there- 
withal the  Trojan  ranks  came  onward,  and  Hector  at  their 
head.  Then  Menelaos  gave  backward,  and  left  the  dead 
man,  turning  himself  ever  about  like  a deep -maned  lion 
which  men  and  dogs  chase  from  a fold  with  spears  and 
cries ; and  his  strong  heart  within  him  groweth  chill,  and 
loth  goeth  he  from  the  steading ; so  from  Patroklos  went 
fair-haired  Menelaos,  and  turned  and  stood,  when  he  came 
co  the  host  of  his  comrades,  searching  for  mighty  Aias 
Telamon’s  son.  Him  very  speedily  he  espied  on  the  left  of 
:he  whole  battle,  cheering  his  comrades  and  rousing  them  to 
fight,  for  great  terror  had  Phoebus  Apollo  sent  on  them ; 
uid  he  hasted  him  to  run,  and  straightway  stood  by  him 
ind  said  : “ This  way,  beloved  Aias ; let  us  bestir  us  for  the 


34*5 


ILIAD  XVII,  1 20-1 5 1 


dead  Patroklos,  if  haply  his  naked  corpse  at  least  we  may 
carry  to  Achilles,  though  his  armour  is  held  by  Hector  of 
the  glancing  helm.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  aroused  the  heart  of  wise  Aias.  And 
he  went  up  through  the  front  of  the  fight,  and  with  him 
fair-haired  Menelaos.  Now  Hector,  when  he  had  stripped 
from  Patroklos  his  noble  armour,  was  dragging  him  thence 
that  he  might  cut  off  the  head  from  the  shoulders  with  the 
keen  bronze  and  carry  his  body  to  give  to  the  dogs  of  Troy. 
But  Aias  came  anigh,  and  the  shield  that  he  bare  was  as  a 
tower;  then  Hector  gave  back  into  the  company  of  his 
comrades,  and  sprang  into  his  chariot;  and  the  goodly 
armour  he  gave  to  the  Trojans  to  carry  to  the  city,  to  be 
great  glory  unto  him.  But  Aias  spread  his  broad  shield 
over  the  son  of  Menoitios  and  stood  as  it  were  a lion  before 
his  whelps  when  huntsmen  in  a forest  encounter  him  as  he 
leadeth  his  young — then  waxeth  he  in  his  strength,  and 
draweth  down  all  his  brows  to  cover  his  eyes  : — so  over  the 
hero  Patroklos  Aias  strode.  And  by  his  side  stood  Atreus’ 
son,  Menelaos  dear  to  Ares,  nursing  great  sorrow  in  his 
breast. 

Then  Glaukos,  Hippolochos’  son,  chief  of  the  men  of 
Lykia,  looked  toward  Hector  with  a frown  and  chode  him 
with  rough  words : “ Hector,  in  semblance  bravest,  lo,  in 
battle  sorely  art  thou  lacking.  Verily  in  vain  doth  fair  glory 
rest  on  thee  since  thou  turnest  runagate.  Bethink  thee  now 
how  thou  shalt  save  thy  city  and  home,  thou  only  with  the 
host  who  were  born  in  Xlios;  for  of  the  Lykians  at  least 
shall  none  go  up  to  fight  against  the  Danaans  for  the  city’s 
sake,  since  no  boon,  it  seemeth,  is  it  to  fight  unsparingly 
ever  against  men  of  war.  How  art  thou  like  to  bring  back 
safe  into  thy  host  any  lesser  man,  thou  hard  of  heart,  whdn 
Sarpedon  that  was  both  guest  and  friend  thou  leftest  to  the 


ILIAD  XVII,  151-182 


347 


Argives  to  be  their  prey  and  spoil,  though  in  his  life  he 
aided  oftentimes  both  thy  city  and  thyself?  Yet  now  thou 
hast  not  dared  to  save  him  from  the  dogs.  Therefore  now 
if  any  of  the  men  of  Lykia  will  hearken  unto  me  we  will  go 
home,  and  to  Troy  shall  be  revealed  sheer  doom.  For  it 
now  a spirit  of  good  courage  were  in  the  Trojans,  a fearless 
spirit  such  as  entereth  into  men  who  for  their  native  land 
array  toil  and  strife  against  men  that  are  their  enemies, 
speedily  should  we  drag  Patroklos  within  Ilios’  wall.  And 
if  this  dead  man  were  brought  into  the  great  city  of  king 
Priam,  and  we  drew  him  forth  from  the  battle,  then  speedily 
would  the  Argives  give  back  the  goodly  armour  of  Sarpedon, 
and  we  should  bring  his  body  into  Ilios ; so  great  is  he 
whose  squire  is  slain,  even  the  man  who  is  far  best  of  the 
Argives  beside  the  ships — he  and  his  close-fighting  squires. 
But  thou  enduredst  not  to  stand  up  against  great-hearted  Aias 
and  to  look  in  his  face  amid  the  cry  of  the  men  of  war,  nor  to 
do  fair  battle  with  him,  since  he  is  a better  man  than  thou.” 

Then,  with  a frown,  spake  unto  him  Hector  of  the 
glancing  helm : “ Glaukos,  wherefore  hath  such  an  one  as 
thou  spoken  thus  over  measure  ? Out  on  it,  I verily  thought 
that  thou  in  wisdom  wert  above  all  others  that  dwell  in 
deep-soiled  Lykia ; but  now  think  I altogether  scorn  of  thy 
wisdom,  since  thou  speakest  thus,  and  sayest  that  I dared 
not  to  meet  the  mighty  Aias.  No  terror  have  I of  battle  or 
din  of  chariots,  but  the  intent  of  aegis-bearing  Zeus  is  ever 
strongest,  and  even  a brave  man  he  overaweth  and  lightly 
snatcheth  from  him  victory,  and  yet  anon  himself  arouseth 
nim  to  fight.  Come  hither,  friend,  stand  beside  me  and  see 
my  handiwork,  whether  all  this  day  I shall  play  the  coward, 
according  to  thy  words,  or  shall  yet  stay  certain  of  the 
Danaans,  how  fierce  soever  be  their  valour,  from  doing  battle 
for  Patroklos’  corpse.” 


348 


ILIAD  XVII,  183-212 


Thus  saying  he  called  on  the  Trojans  with  a mighty 
shout : “ Trojans  and  Lykians  and  Dardanians  that  fight 
hand  to  hand,  be  men,  my  friends,  and  bethink  you  of  impe- 
tuous valour,  until  I do  on  me  the  goodly  arms  of  noble 
Achilles  that  I stripped  from  brave  Patroklos  when  I slew 
him.” 

Thus  having  spoken  went  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm 
forth  out  of  the  strife  of  war,  and  ran  and  speedily  with  fleet 
feet  following  overtook  his  comrades,  not  yet  far  off,  who  were 
bearing  to  the  city  Peleides’  glorious  arms.  And  standing 
apart  from  the  dolorous  battle  he  changed  his  armour ; his 
own  he  gave  the  warlike  Trojans  to  carry  to  sacred  Ilios, 
and  he  put  on  the  divine  arms  of  Achilles,  Peleus’  son, 
which  to  his  dear  father  the  gods  who  inhabit  heaven  gave, 
and  Peleus  committed  them  unto  his  child  when  old  him- 
self ; but  never  in  his  father’s  armour  did  that  son  grow  old. 

But  when  Zeus  that  gathereth  the  clouds  beheld  from 
afar  off  Hector  arming  him  in  the  armour  of  Peleus’  godlike 
son,  he  shook  his  head  and  spake  thus  unto  his  soul : “ Ah, 
hapless  man,  no  thought  is  in  thy  heart  of  death  that  yet 
draweth  nigh  unto  thee ; thou  doest  on  thee  the  divine 
armour  of  a peerless  man  before  whom  the  rest  have  terror. 
His  comrade,  gentle  and  brave,  thou  hast  slain,  and  un- 
meetly  hast  stripped  the  armour  from  his  head  and  shoulders; 
yet  now  for  a while  at  least  I will  give  into  thy  hands  great 
might,  in  recompense  for  this,  even  that  no  wise  shalt  thou 
come  home  out  of  the  battle,  for  Andromache  to  receive 
from  thee  Peleides’  glorious  arms.” 

Thus  spake  the  son  of  Kronos  and  bowed  his  dark  brows 
therewithal. 

But  the  armour  fitted  itself  unto  Hector’s  body,  and 
Ares  the  dread  war-god  entered  into  him,  and  his  limbs  were 
filled  within  with  valour  and  strength.  Then  he  sped  among 


ILIAD  XVII,  213-246 


349 


the  noble  allies  with  a mighty  cry,  and  in  the  flashing  of  his 
armour  he  seemed  to  all  of  them  like  unto  Peleus’  great- 
hearted son.  And  he  came  to  each  and  encouraged  him 
with  his  words — Mesthles  and  Glaukos  and  Medon  and 
Thersilochos  and  Asteropaios  and  Deisenor  and  Hippothoos 
and  Phorkys  and  Chromios  and  the  augur  Ennomos — these 
encouraged  he  and  spake  to  them  winged  words  : “ Listen, 
ye  countless  tribes  of  allies  that  dwell  round  about.  It  was 
not  for  mere  numbers  that  I sought  or  longed  when  I 
gathered  each  of  you  from  your  cities,  but  that  ye  might 
zealously  guard  the  Trojans’  wives  and  infant  little  ones 
from  the  war-Joving  Achaians.  For  this  end  am  I wearying 
my  people  by  taking  gifts  and  food  from  them,  and  nursing 
thereby  the  courage  of  each  of  you.  Now  therefore  let  all 
turn  straight  against  the  foe  and  live  or  die,  for  such  is  the 
dalliance  of  war.  And  whoso  shall  drag  Patroklos,  dead 
though  he  be,  among  the  horse-taming  men  of  Troy,  and 
make  Aias  yield,  to  him  will  I award  half  the  spoils  and 
keep  half  myself ; so  shall  his  glory  be  great  as  mine.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  against  the  Danaans  charged 
with  all  their  weight,  levelling  their  spears,  and  their  hearts 
were  high  of  hope  to  drag  the  corpse  from  under  Aias, 
Telamon’s  son.  Fond  men  ! from  full  many  reft  he  life 
over  that  corpse.  And  then  spake  Aias  to  Menelaos  of  the 
loud  war-cry  : “ Dear  Menelaos,  fosterling  of  Zeus,  no  longer 
count  I that  we  two  of  ourselves  shall  return  home  out  of 
the  war.  Nor  have  I so  much  dread  for  the  corpse  of 
Patroklos,  that  shall  soon  glut  the  dogs  and  birds  of  the  men 
of  Troy,  as  for  thy  head  and  mine  lest  some  evil  fall  thereon, 
for  all  is  shrouded  by  a storm-cloud  of  war,  even  by  Hector, 
and  sheer  doom  stareth  in  our  face.  But  come,  call  thou 
to  the  best  men  of  the  Danaans,  if  haply  any  hear.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry  dis- 


35° 


ILIAD  XVII,  246-279 


regarded  him  not,  but  shouted  unto  the  Danaans,  crying  a 
far-heard  cry  : “ O friends,  ye  leaders  and  counsellors  of  the 
Argives,  who  by  the  side  of  the  sons  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon 
and  Menelaos,  drink  at  the  common  cost  and  are  all  com- 
manders of  the  host,  on  whom  wait  glory  and  honour  from 
Zeus,  hard  is  it  for  me  to  distinguish  each  chief  amid  the 
press — such  blaze  is  there  of  the  strife  of  war.  But  let  each 
go  forward  of  himself  and  be  wroth  at  heart  that  Patroklos 
should  become  a sport  among  the  dogs  of  Troy.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Oileus’  son  fleet  Aias  heard  him 
clearly,  and  was  first  to  run  along  the  mellay  to  meet  him, 
and  after  him  Idomeneus,  and  Idomeneus’  brpther-in-arms, 
Meriones,  peer  of  the  man-slaying  war-god.  And  who  shall 
of  his  own  thought  tell  the  names  of  the  rest,  even  of  all  that 
after  these  aroused  the  battle  of  the  Achaians  ? 

Now  the  Trojans  charged  forward  in  close  array,  and 
Hector  led  them.  And  as  when  at  the  mouth  of  some 
heaven-bom  river  a mighty  wave  roareth  against  the  stream, 
and  arouseth  the  high  cliffs’  echo  as  the  salt  sea  belloweth  on 
the  beach,  so  loud  was  the  cry  wherewith  the  Trojans  came. 
But  the  Achaians  stood  firm  around  Menoitios’  son  with  one 
soul  all,  walled  in  with  shields  of  bronze.  And  over  their 
bright  helmets  the  son  of  Kronos  shed  thick  darkness,  for 
in  the  former  time  was  Menoitios’  son  not  unloved  of  him, 
while  he  was  yet  alive  and  squire  of  Aiakides.  So  was  Zeus 
loth  that  he  should  become  a prey  of  the  dogs  of  his  enemies 
at  Troy,  and  stirred  his  comrades  to  do  battle  for  him. 

Now  first  the  Trojans  thrust  back  the  glancing-eyed 
Achaians,  who  shrank  before  them  and  left  the  dead,  yet 
the  proud  Trojans  slew  not  any  of  them  with  spears,  though 
they  were  fain,  but  set  to  hale  the  corpse.  But  little  while 
would  the  Achaians  hold  back  therefrom,  for  very  swiftly 
Aias  rallied  them,  Aias  the  first  in  presence  and  in  deeds 


ILIAD  XVII,  280-312 


35  f 

of  all  the  Danaans  after  the  noble  son  of  Peleus.  Right 
through  the  fighters  in  the  forefront  rushed  he  like  a wild 
boar  in  his  might  that  in  the  mountains  when  he  turneth 
at  bay  scattereth  lightly  dogs  and  lusty  young  men  through 
the  glades.  Thus  did  proud  Telamon’s  son  the  glorious 
Alas  press  on  the  Trojan  battalions  and  lightly  scatter  them, 
as  they  had  bestrode  Patroklos  and  were  full  fain  to  drag 
him  to  their  city  and  win  renown. 

Then  Hippothoos,  glorious  son  of  Pelasgian  Lethos,  set 
to  drag  him  by  the  foot  through  the  violent  fray,  binding 
him  by  the  ankle  with  a strap  around  the  sinews,  to  do 
pleasure  to  Hector  and  the  Trojans.  But  an  ill  thing  came 
swiftly  upon  him  wherefrom  none  of  his  comrades,  albeit  full 
fain,  might  help  him.  For  the  son  of  Telamon  set  on  him 
through  the  press  and  smote  him  hard  at  hand  through  the 
bronze -cheeked  helm.  And  the  horse -hair -plumed  head- 
piece  brake  about  the  spear  point,  smitten  by  the  great 
spear  and  stalwart  arm,  and  brain  and  blood  spouted 
from  the  wound  through  the  vizor.  And  Hippothoos’ 
strength  was  unstrung,  and  from  his  hands  he  let  great- 
hearted Patroklos’  foot  fall  to  earth,  and  close  thereon  fell 
he  prone  upon  the  corpse,  far  from  deep-soiled  Larissa,  nor 
repaid  his  dear  parents  for  his  nurture,  for  short  was  his 
span  of  life  as  he  fell  beneath  great-hearted  Aias’  spear. 
And  Hector  in  his  turn  hurled  at  Aias  with  his  bright  spear, 
but  the  other  saw  the  bronze  dart  as  it  came  and  hardly 
avoided  it ; yet  Schedios,  son  of  great-hearted  Iphitos,  the 
best  man  of  the  Phokians  who  in  famous  Panopeus  had  his 
dwelling  and  was  king  over  many  men — this  man  Hector 
smote  beneath  the  midst  of  his  collar-bone,  and  right  through 
went  the  point  of  the  bronze  spear  and  stood  out  beside  the 
nether  part  of  his  shoulder.  And  he  fell  with  a crash,  and 
bis  armour  rang  upon  him.  And  Aias  in  his  turn  smote 


352 


ILIAD  XVII,  312-341 


Phorkys  in  the  midst  of  the  belly,  the  wise  son  of  Phainops, 
as  he  bestrode  Hippothoos,  and  brake  the  plate  of  his 
corslet,  and  the  bronze  let  forth  his  bowels,  and  he  fell  in  the 
dust  and  grasped  the  earth  with  his  hand.  And  the  front 
fighters  and  glorious  Hector  gave  back,  and  the  Argives 
shouted  aloud  and  haled  the  dead  men,  Phorkys  and  Hip- 
pothoos, and  did  off  the  armour  from  their  shoulders. 

Then  would  the  Trojans  in  their  turn  in  their  weakness 
overcome  have  been  driven  back  into  Ilios  by  the  Achaians 
dear  to  Ares,  and  the  Argives  would  have  won  glory  even 
against  the  appointment  of  Zeus  by  their  power  and  might. 
But  Apollo  himself  aroused  Aineias,  putting  on  the  semblance 
of  Periphas  the  herald,  the  son  of  Epytos,  who  grew  old  with 
his  old  father  in  his  heraldship,  of  friendly  thought  toward 
Aineias.  In  his  similitude  spake  Apollo,  son  of  Zeus: 
“Aineias,  how  could  ye  ever  guard  high  Ilios  if  it  were 
against  the  will  of  God  ? Other  men  have  I seen  that  trust 
in  their  own  might  and  power  and  valour,  and  in  their  host, 
even  though  they  have  scant1  folk  to  lead.  But  here,  albeit 
Zeus  is  fainer  far  to  give  victory  to  us  than  to  the  Danaans, 
yet  ye  are  dismayed  exceedingly  and  fight  not.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Aineias  knew  far-darting  Apollc 
when  he  looked  upon  his  face,  and  spake  unto  Hector, 
shouting  loud : “ Hector  and  ye  other  leaders  of  the  Tro 
jans  and  their  allies,  shame  were  this  if  in  our  weakness  over 
come  we  were  driven  back  into  Ilios  by  the  Achaians  deal 
to  Ares.  Nay,  thus  saith.  a god,  who  standeth  by  my  side 
Zeus,  highest  Orderer,  is  our  helper  in  this  fight.  Therefore 
let  us  go  right  onward  against  the  Danaans.  Not  easily  ai 
least  let  them  take  the  dead  Patroklos  to  the  ships.” 

1 Reading  with  all  MSS.  im-fpSea.  But  Brocks  plausibly  suggest 

inrlp  Ala,  and  would  translate  “ even  against  the  favour  of  Zeus  protect 
in.g  their  own  folk.  ” 


ILIAD  XVII,  342-375 


353 


Thus  spake  he,  and  leapt  forth  far  before  the  fighters  in 
the  front.  And  the  Trojans  rallied  and  stood  up  against 
the  Achaians.  Then  Aineias  wounded  with  his  spear  Leo- 
kritos  son  of  Arisbas,  Lykomedes’  valiant  comrade.  And  as 
he  fell  Lykomedes  dear  to  Ares  was  grieved  for  him  and 
came  hard  by  him  and  halted  and  hurled  his  bright  spear 
and  smote  Hippasos’  son  Apisaon,  shepherd  of  the  host,  in 
the  liver  beneath  the  midriff  and  straightway  unstrung  his 
knees,  Apisaon  who  had  come  out  of  deep-soiled  Paionia 
and  after  Asteropaios  was  their  best  man  in  fight.  And 
as  he  fell  warlike  Asteropaios  was  grieved  for  him  and 
made  onward  full  fain  to  do  battle  against  the  Danaans ; 
but  that  could  he  no  wise  any  more,  for  they  were  fenced  on 
every  side  with  shields  as  they  stood  around  Patroklos,  and 
held  their  spears  in  front  of  them.  For  Aias  ranged  through 
them  all  and  called  on  them  now  and  again,  and  bade  that 
none  of  the  Achaians  should  give  back  behind  the  corpse 
nor  fight  in  front  of  the  rest  but  keep  close  beside  the  dead 
and  do  battle  hand  to  hand.  Thus  mighty  Aias  commanded, 
and  the  earth  was  wet  with  dark  blood,  and  the  dead  fell 
thickly  both  of  the  Trojans  and  their  brave  allies,  and  like- 
wise of  the  Danaans,  for  these  too  fought  no  bloodless  fight, 
yet  far  fewer  perished  of  them,  for  they  were  ever  mindful 
to  ward  sheer  death  from  one  another  in  the  press. 

Thus  strove  they  as  it  had  been  fire,  nor  wouldst  thou 
have  thought  there  was  still  sun  or  moon,  for  over  all 
the  battle  where  the  chiefs  stood  around  the  slain  son  of 
Menoitios  they  were  shrouded  in  darkness,  while  the  other 
Trojans  and  well-greaved  Achaians  fought  at  ease  in  the 
clear  air,  and  piercing  sunlight  was  spread  over  them,  and 
3n  all  the  earth  and  hills  there  was  no  cloud  seen ; and 
:hey  ceased  fighting  now  and  again,  avoiding  each  other’s 
lolorous  darts  and  standing  far  apart  But  they  who  were 


2 A 


354 


ILIAD  XVII,  375-407 


in  the  midst  endured  affliction  of  the  darkness  and  the 
battle,  and  all  the  best  men  of  them  were  wearied  by  the 
pitiless  weight  of  their  bronze  arms.  Yet  two  men,  famous 
warriors,  Thrasymedes  and  Antilochos,  knew  not  yet  that 
noble  Patroklos  was  dead,  but  deemed  that  he  was  yet  alive 
and  fighting  against  the  Trojans  in  the  forefront  of  the 
press.  So  they  twain  in  watch  against  the  death  or  flight  of 
their  comrades  were  doing  battle  apart  from  the  rest,  since 
thus  had  Nestor  charged  when  he  roused  them  forth  to  the 
battle  from  the  black  ships. 

Thus  all  day  long  waxed  the  mighty  fray  of  their  sore 
strife,  and  unabatingly  ever  with  the  sweat  of  toil  were  the 
knees  and  legs  and  feet  of  each  man  and  arms  and  eyes 
bedewed  as  the  two  hosts  did  battle  around  the  brave  squire 
of  fleet  Aiakides.  And  as  when  a man  giveth  the  hide  of  a 
great  bull  to  his  folk  to  stretch,  all  soaked  in  fat,  and  they 
take  and  stretch  it  standing  in  a circle,  and  straightway  the 
moisture  thereof  departeth  and  the  fat  entereth  in  under  the 
haling  of  many  hands,  and  it  is  all  stretched  throughout, — 
thus  they  on  both  sides  haled  the  dead  man  this  way  and 
that  in  narrow  space,  for  their  hearts  were  high  of  hope,  the 
Trojans  that  they  should  drag  him  to  Tlios  and  the  Achaians 
to  the  hollow  ships ; and  around  him  the  fray  waxed  wild, 
nor  might  Ares  rouser  of  hosts  nor  Athene  despise  the  sight 
thereof,  albeit  their  anger  were  exceeding  great. 

Such  was  the  grievous  travail  of  men  and  horses  over 
Patroklos  that  Zeus  on  that  day  wrought.  But  not  as  yet 
knew  noble  Achilles  aught  of  Patroklos’  death,  for  far  away 
from  the  swift  ships  they  were  fighting  beneath  the  wall  of  the 
men  of  Troy.  Therefore  never  deemed  he  in  his  heart  that 
he  was  dead,  but  that  he  should  come  back  alive,  after  that 
he  had  touched  the  gates ; for  neither  that  other  thought  had 
he  anywise,  that  Patroklos  should  sack  the  stronghold  without 


ILIAD  XVII,  407-440 


355 


ris  aid,  nay,  nor  yet  therewithal,  for  thus  had  he  oft  heard 
rom  his  mother,  hearkening  to  her  apart  as  she  brought 
:idings  unto  him  of  the  purposes  of  mighty  Zeus.  Yet  verily 
hen  his  mother  told  him  not  how  great  an  ill  was  come  to 
Dass,  that  his  far  dearest  comrade  was  no  more. 

Now  the  rest  continually  around  the  dead  man  with 
;heir  keen  spears  made  onset  relentlessly  and  slew  each  the 
jther.  And  thus  would  one  speak  among  the  mail-clad 
\chaians  : “ Friends,  it  were  verily  not  glorious  for  us  to  go 
jack  to  the  hollow  ships ; rather  let  the  black  earth  yawn  for 
is  all  beneath  our  feet.  Far  better  were  that  straightway 
or  us  if  we  suffer  the  horse-taming  Trojans  to  hale  this  man 
o their  city  and  win  renown.” 

And  thus  on  the  other  side  would  one  of  the  great- 
learted  Trojans  say : “ Friends,  though  it  were  our  fate 
hat  all  together  we  be  slain  beside  this  man,  let  none  yet 
;ive  backward  from  the  fray.” 

Thus  would  one  speak,  and  rouse  the  spirit  of  each.  So 
hey  fought  on,  and  the  iron  din  went  up  through  the  high 
iesert  air  unto  the  brazen  heaven.  But  the  horses  of 
Uakides  that  were  apart  from  the  battle  were  weeping,  since 
irst  they  were  aware  that  their  charioteer  was  fallen  in  the 
just  beneath  the  hand  of  man-slaying  Hector.  Verily  Auto- 
nedon,  Diores’  valiant  son,  plied  them  oft  with  blows  of  the 
wift  lash,  and  oft  with  gentle  words  he  spake  to  them  and 
ift  with  chiding,  yet  would  they  neither  go  back  to  the  ships 
,t  the  broad  Hellespont  nor  yet  to  the  battle  after  the 
'ichaians,  but  as  a pillar  abideth  firm  that  standeth  on  the 
omb  of  a man  or  woman  dead,  so  abode  they  immovably 
nth  the  beautiful  chariot,  abasing  their  heads  unto  the  earth, 
tnd  hot  tears  flowed  from  their  eyes  to  the  ground  as  they 
lourned  in  sorrow  for  their  charioteer,  and  their  rich  manes 
rere  soiled  as  they  drooped  from  beneath  the  yoke-cushion 


3 56 


ILIAD  XVII,  440-472 


on  both  sides  beside  the  yoke.  And  when  the  son  of  Kronos 
beheld  them  mourning  he  had  compassion  on  them,  and 
shook  his  head  and  spake  to  his  own  heart : “ Ah,  hapless 
pair,  why  gave  we  you  to  king  Peleus,  a mortal  man,  while 
ye  are  deathless  and  ever  young  ? Was  it  that  ye  should 
suffer  sorrows  among  ill-fated  men  ? For  methinketh  there 
is  nothing  more  piteous  than  a man  among  all  things  that 
breathe  and  creep  upon  the  earth.  Eut  verily  Hector 
Priam’s  son  shall  not  drive  you  and  your  deftly -wrought 
car ; that  will  I not  suffer.  Is  it  a small  thing  that  he 
holdeth  the  armour  and  vaunteth  himself  vainly  thereupon  ? 
Nay,  I will  put  courage  into  your  knees  and  heart  that  ye 
may  bring  Automedon  also  safe  out  of  the  war  to  the 
hollow  ships.  For  yet  further  will  I increase  victory  to 
the  men  of  Troy,  so  that  they  slay  until  they  come  unto  the 
well-timbered  ships,  and  the  sun  set  and  divine  night  come 
down.” 

Thus  saying  he  breathed  good  courage  into  the  horses. 
And  they  shook  to  earth  the  dust  from  their  manes,  and 
lightly  bare  the  swift  car  amid  Trojans  and  Achaians.  And 
behind  them  fought  Automedon,  albeit  in  grief  for  his  com- 
rade, swooping  with  his  chariot  as  a vulture  on  wild  geese; 
for  lightly  he  would  flee  out  of  the  onset  of  the  Trojans 
and  lightly  charge,  pursuing  them  through  the  thick  mellay, 
Yet  could  he  not  slay  any  man  as  he  hasted  to  pursue  them, 
for  it  was  impossible  that  being  alone  in  his  sacred  car  he 
should  at  once  assail  them  with  the  spear  and  hold  his  fleet 
horses.  Then  at  last  espied  him  a comrade,  even  Alkimedon 
son  of  Laerkes,  son  of  Haimon,  and  he  halted  behind  the! 
car  and  spake  unto  Automedon : “ Automedon,  what  godj 
hath  put  into  thy  breast  unprofitable  counsel  and  taken 
from  thee  wisdom,  that  thus  alone  thou  art  fighting  against 
the  Trojans  in  the  forefront  of  the  press?  Thy  comrade 


ILIAD  XVII,  472-506  357 

even  now  was  slain,  and  Hector  goeth  proudly,  wearing  on 
his  own  shoulders  the  armour  of  Aiakides.” 

And  Automedon  son  of  Diores  answered  him,  saying  : 
“Alkimedon,  what  other  Achaian  hath  like  skill  to  guide 
the  spirit  of  immortal  steeds,  save  only  Patroklos,  peer  of 
gods  in  counsel,  while  he  yet  lived  ? but  now  have  death  and 
fate  overtaken  him.  But  take  thou  the  lash  and  shining  reins, 
and  I will  get  me  down  from  my  horses,  that  I may  fight.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Alkimedon  leapt  on  the  fleet  war- 
chariot  and  swiftly  took  the  lash  and  reins  in  his  hands,  and 
Automedon  leapt  down.  And  noble  Hector  espied  them, 
and  straightway  spake  unto  Aineias  as  he  stood  near : 
“ Aineias,  counsellor  of  mail-clad  Trojans,  I espy  here  the 
two  horses  of  fleet  Aiakides  come  forth  to  battle  with  feeble 
charioteers.  Therefore  might  I hope  to  take  them  if  thou 
in  thy  heart  art  willing,  since  they  would  not  abide  our  onset 
and  stand  to  do  battle  against  us.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  brave  son  of  Anchises  disre- 
garded him  not.  And  they  twain  went  right  onward,  their 
shoulders  shielded  by  ox-hides  dried  and  tough,  and  bronze 
;hick  overlaid.  And  with  them  went  both  Chromios  and 
godlike  Aretos,  and  their  hearts  were  of  high  hope  to  slay 
:he  men  and  drive  off  the  strong-necked  horses — fond  hope, 
or  not  without  blood  lost  were  they  to  get  them  back  from 
\utomedon.  He  praying  to  father  Zeus  was  filled  in  hia 
nmost  heart  with  valour  and  strength.  And  straightway  he 
pake  to  Alkimedon,  his  faithful  comrade  : “ Alkimedon, 
;iold  the  horses  not  far  from  me,  but  with  their  very  breath 
:pon  my  back ; for  I deem  that  Hector  the  son  of  Priam 
.’ill  not  refrain  him  from  his  fury  until  he  mount  behind 
tchilles’  horses  of  goodly  manes  after  slaying  us  twain,  and 
ismay  the  ranks  of  Argive  men,  or  else  himself  fall  among 
re  foremost.” 


35S 


ILIAD  XVII,  507-540 


Thus  said  he,  and  called  upon  the  Aiantes  and  Menelaos: 
“ Aiantes,  leaders  of  the  Argives,  and  Menelaos,  lo  now, 
commit  ye  the  corpse  unto  whoso  may  best  avail  to  bestride 
it  anti  resist  the  ranks  of  men,  and  come  ye  to  ward  the  day 
of  doom  from  us  who  are  yet  alive,  for  here  in  the  dolorous 
war  are  Hector  and  Aineias,  the  best  men  of  the  Trojans, 
pressing  hard.  Yet  verily  these  issues  lie  in  the  lap  of  the 
gods  : I too  will  cast  my  spear,  and  the  rest  shall  Zeus 
decide.” 

He  said,  and  poised  his  far-shadowing  spear  and  hurled  it, 
and  smote  on  the  circle  of  the  shield  of  Aretos,  and  the  shield 
sustained  not  the  spear,  but  right  through  went  the  bronze, 
and  he  forced  it  into  his  belly  low  down  through  his  belt 
And  as  when  a strong  man  with  a sharp  axe  smiting  behindi 
the  horns  of  an  ox  of  the  homestead  cleaveth  the  sinew 
asunder,  and  the  ox  leapeth  forward  and  falleth,  so  leapt 
Aretos  forward  and  fell  on  his  back ; and  the  spear  in  his 
entrails  very  piercingly  quivering  unstrung  his  limbs.  And 
Hector  hurled  at  Automedon  with  his  bright  spear,  but  he 
looked  steadfastly  on  the  bronze  javelin  as  it  came  at  him  and 
avoided  it,  for  he  stooped  forward,  and  the  long  spear  fixed 
itself  in  the  ground  behind,  and  the  javelin-butt  quivered, 
and  there  dread  Ares  took  away  its  force.  And  then  had  they 
lashed  at  each  other  with  their  swords  hand  to  hand,  had  nol 
the  Aiantes  parted  them  in  their  fury,  when  they  were  come 
through  the  mellay  at  their  comrade’s  call.  Before  their 
Hector  and  Aineias  and  godlike  Chromios  shrank  backward 
and  gave  ground  and  left  Aretos  wounded  to  the  death  as 
he  lay.  And  Automedon,  peer  of  swift  Ares,  stripped  of 
the  armour  of  the  dead,  and  spake  exultingly  : “ Verily,  ] 
have  a little  eased  my  heart  of  grief  for  the  death  of  Menoi 
60s’  son,  albeit  a worse  man  than  him  have  I slain.” 

Thus  saying  he  took  up  the  gory  spoils  and  set  then 


ILIAD  XVII,  540-576  359 

in  his  car,  and  gat  him  thereon,  with  feet  and  hands  all 
bloody,  as  a lion  that  hath  devoured  a bull. 

So  again  above  Patroklos  was  waged  the  violent  fray,  cruel 
and  woful,  and  Athene  roused  their  strife,  from  heaven  de- 
scended, for  far-seeing  Zeus  sent  her  to  urge  on  the  Danaans, 
for  his  mind  was  changed.  As  Zeus  stretcheth  forth  a 
gleaming  rainbow  from  heaven  to  be  a sign  to  mortals 
whether  of  war  or  of  chill  storm  that  maket’n  men  to  cease 
xom  their  works  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  afflicteth 
locks,  thus  Athene  clothing  her  in  a gleaming  cloud  entered 
he  Achaians’  host,  and  roused  each  man  thereof.  First  to 
irge  Atreus’  son,  strong  Menelaos,  for  he  was  nigh  to  her, 
;he  spake  to  him,  making  herself  like  unto  Phoinix  in  shape 
md  unwearying  voice  : “To  thee  verily,  Menelaos,  will  be  it 
ihame  and  reproach  if  beneath  the  wall  of  the  men  of  Troy 
leet  dogs  tear  the  faithful  comrade  of  proud  Achilles.  Nay, 
>ear  thee  stoutly  up,  and  urge  on  all  the  host.” 

Then  answered  her  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry,  say- 
ng : “ O Phoinix,  ancient  father  of  the  elder  time,  would 
hat  Athene  may  give  me  strength  and  keep  off  the  assault 
>f  darts.  So  would  I well  be  fain  to  stand  by  Patroklos  and 
o shield  him,  for  his  death  touched  me  very  close  at  heart. 
Jut  Hector  hath  the  terrible  fury  of  fire,  neither  ceaseth  in 
naking  havoc  with  his  spear,  for  to  him  Zeus  giveth  glory.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene  was 
lad,  for  that  to  her  first  of  all  gods  whatsoever  he  prayed. 
Vnd  she  put  force  into  his  shoulders  and  his  knees,  and  in 
is  breast  the  boldness  of  the  fly  that  albeit  driven  away 
nee  and  again  from  the  skin  of  men  still  is  eager  to  bite, 
nd  sweet  to  it  is  the  blood  of  mankind — even  with  such 
oldness  the  goddess  filled  his  inmost  heart,  and  he  bestrode 
'atroklos,  and  hurled  with  his  bright  spear.  Now  among 
ic  Trojans  was  one  Podes,  son  of  Eetion,  a rich  man  and 


s 


ILIAD  XVII,  576-604 


:6o 


a brave,  and  Hector  honoured  him  especially  among  the 
people  for  that  he  was  his  dear  comrade  and  boon  companion, 
Him  smote  fair-haired  Menelaos  in  the  belt  as  he  started 
to  flee,  and  drove  his  spearhead  right  through,  and  he  fell 
with  a crash,  and  Menelaos,  Atreus’  son,  haled  his  body 
from  amid  the  Trojans  among  his  comrades’  company. 

But  Apollo  came  and  stood  near  Hector  and  aroused  him, 
in  the  semblance  of  Asios’  son  Phainops,  who  of  all  guest- 
friends  was  dearest  to  him,  and  had  his  home  in  Abydos. 
[In  his  likeness  spake  far-darting  Apollo  unto  Hector]; 
“ Hector,  what  other  of  the  Achaians  will  fear  thee  any  more, 
if  now  thou  hast  shrunk  from  Menelaos  who  formerly  was 
an  unhardy  warrior  ? Now  is  he  gone  and  alone  hath  seized 
a dead  Trojan  from  among  our  ranks,  and  hath  slain  thy 
faithful  comrade,  a good  man  among  the  fighters  in  the  front, 
even  Podes,  son  of  Eetion.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  a black  cloud  of  grief  fell  on  Elector, 
and  he  went  through  the  forefront  of  the  battle,  harnessed 
in  flashing  bronze.  Then  also  the  son  of  Kronos  took  up 
his  tasselled  aegis  glittering,  and  shrouded  Ida  in  clouds, 
and  lightened  and  thundered  mightily,  and  shook  the  earth  :1 
and  he  gave  victory  to  the  Trojans,  and  the  Achaians  he 
dismayed. 

First  to  set  dismay  on  foot  was  Peneleos  the  Boiotian 
For  he  was  smitten  in  the  shoulder  by  a javelin  grazingly 
on  the  surface,  as  he  kept  ever  his  face  to  the  foe ; the 
spear  point  of  Polydamas  scratched  the  bone,  for  he  cast 
it  from  nigh  at  hand.  Then  again  Hector  in  close  fight 
wounded  Leitos  on  the  wrist,  the  son  of  great-hearted 
Alektryon,  and  stayed  him  from  the  joy  of  battle : and  he 
shrank  back  as  he  gazed  around  him,  for  that  he  might  no 
longer  hope  to  hold  spear  in  hand  to  do  battle  against  the 
1 Reading  7 ijv  with  Zenodotos. 


ILIAD  XVII,  604-636 


361 


men  of  Troy.  Then  Idomeneus  smote  Hector  as  he  pur- 
sued after  Lei'tos  on  the  corslet  of  his  breast  beside  the  nipple, 
but  the  long  spear  brake  at  the  socket  and  the  Trojans 
shouted.  And  Hector  hurled  at  Idomeneus  son  of  Deuka- 
jion  as  he  had  mounted  his  car,  and  missed  him  by  a little, 
but  smote  Koiranos,  Meriones’  brother-in-arms  and  chario- 
teer who  from  stablished  Lyktos  followed  him — (for  on  foot 
came  Idomeneus  first  from  the  curved  ships  and  would  have 
yielded  great  triumph  to  the  Trojans  had  not  Koiranos 
quickly  driven  up  his  fleet  horses,  and  thus  come  as  suc- 
cour to  Idomeneus  and  guarded  him  from  the  day  of  death, 
but  himself  lost  his  life  at  the  hands  of  man-slaying  Hector) 
— him  Hector  smote  beneath  the  jaw  and  ear,  and  the  spear- 
end  dashed  out  his  teeth  and  clave  his  tongue  asunder  in 
the  midst.  And  he  fell  forth  from  the  chariot  and  let  fall 
the  reins  to  the  ground.  Then  Meriones  stooped  and 
gathered  them  in  his  own  hands  from  the  earth  and  spake 
unto  Idomeneus  : “ Now  lay  on,  till  thou  come  to  the  swift 
ships : thyself  too  knowest  that  triumph  is  no  longer  with 
the  Achaians.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Idomeneus  lashed  the  horses  of 
goodly  manes  back  to  the  hollow  ships ; tor  fear  had  fallen 
upon  his  soul. 

Now  great-hearted  Aias  and  Menelaos  were  aware  oi 
Zeus  how  he  gave  the  Trojans  their  turn  of  victory.  First 
of  these  to  speak  was  great  Aias  son  of  Telamon  : “Ay  me, 
now  may  any  man,  even  though  he  be  a very  fool,  know 
that  father  Zeus  hirnself  is  helping  the  Trojans.  For  the 
darts  of  all  of  them  strike,  whosoever  hurleth  them,  be  he 
good  man  or  bad — Zeus  guideth  them  notwithstanding 
home : but  all  our  darts  only  fall  idly  to  the  earth.  Nay  come, 
let  us  ourselves  devise  some  excellent  means,  that  we  may 
both  hale  the  corpse  away  and  ourselves  return  home  to 


362 


ILIAD  XVII,  636-669 


the  joy  of  our  friends,  who  grieve  as  they  look  hitherward 
and  deem  that  no  longer  shall  the  fury  of  man -slaying 
Hector’s  unapproachable  hand  refrain  itself,  but  fall  upon 
the  black  ships.  And  would  there  were  some  comrade  to 
carry  tidings  with  all  speed  unto  the  son  of  Peleus,  since  I 
deem  that  he  hath  not  even  heard  the  grievous  tidings,  how 
his  dear  comrade  is  slain.  But  nowhere  can  I behold  such 
an  one  among  the  Achaians,  for  themselves  and  their  horses 
likewise  are  wrapped  in  darkness.  O father  Zeus,  deliver 
thou  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  from  the  darkness,  and  make 
clear  sky  and  vouchsafe  sight  unto  our  eyes.  In  the  light 
be  it  that  thou  slayest  us,  since  it  is  thy  good  pleasure  that 
we  die.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  Father  grieved  to  see  him  weep, 
and  straightway  scattered  the  darkness  and  drave  away  the 
mist,  and  the  sun  shone  out  on  them,  and  all  the  battle  was 
manifest.  Then  spake  Aias  to  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war- 
cry  : “ Look  forth  now,  Menelaos  fosterling  of  Zeus,  if  haply 
thou  mayest  see  Antilochos  yet  alive,  great-hearted  Nestor’s 
son,  and  rouse  him  to  go  with  speed  to  wise  Achilles  to  tell 
him  that  his  far  dearest  comrade  is  slain.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry  dis- 
regarded him  not,  but  went  forth  as  a lion  from  a steading 
when  he  is  tired  of  vexing  men  and  dogs  that  suffer  him 
not  to  devour  fat  oxen  and  all  night  keep  their  watch ; but 
he  in  hunger  for  flesh  presseth  onward  yet  availeth  nought, 
for  thickly  fly  the  javelins  against  him  from  hardy  hands, 
with  blazing  firebrands,  wherefrom  he  shrinketh  for  all  his 
fury,  and  in  the  morning  departeth  afar  with  grief  at  heart : — 
thus  from  Patroklos  went  Menelaos  of  the  loud  war-cry,  sore 
loth ; for  exceedingly  he  feared  lest  the  Achaians  in  cruel 
rout  should  leave  him  a prey  to  the  enemy.  And  straitly 
charged  he  Meriones  and  the  Aiantes,  saying : “ Aiantes, 


ILIAD  XVII,  669-699 


363 


leaders  of  the  Argives,  and  Meriones,  now  let  each  remem- 
ber the  loving-kindness  of  hapless  Patroklos,  for  he  would 
be  gentle  unto  all  while  he  was  yet  alive : now  death  and 
fate  have  overtaken  him.” 

Thus  saying  fair -haired  Menelaos  departed  glancing 
everywhither,  as  an  eagle  which  men  say  hath  keenest  sight 
of  all  birds  under  heaven,  and  though  he  be  far  aloft  the 
fleet-footed  hare  eludeth  him  not  by  crouching  beneath  a 
leafy  bush,  but  the  eagle  swoopeth  thereon  and  swiftly 
seizeth  her  and  taketh  her  life.  Thus  in  that  hour,  Mene- 
laos fosterling  of  Zeus,  ranged  thy  shining  eyes  everywhither 
through  the  multitude  of  the  host  of  thy  comrades,  if 
haply  they  might  behold  Nestor’s  son  yet  alive.  Him 
quickly  he  perceived  at  the  left  of  the  whole  battle,  hearten- 
ing his  comrades  and  rousing  them  to  fight.  And  fair- 
haired Menelaos  came  and  stood  nigh  and  said  unto  him : 
“ Antilochos,  fosterling  of  Zeus,  come  hither  that  thou  mayest 
leant  woful  tidings — would  it  had  never  been.  Ere  now,  I 
ween,  thou  too  hast  known  by  thy  beholding  that  God 
rolleth  mischief  upon  the  Danaans,  and  with  the  Trojans 
is  victory.  And  slain  is  the  best  man  of  the  Achaians 
Patroklos,  and  great  sorrow  is  wrought  for  the  Danaans. 
But  run  thou  to  the  ships  of  the  Achaians  and  quickly  tell 
this  to  Achilles,  if  haply  he  may  straightway  rescue  to  his 
ship  the  naked  corpse  : but  his  armour  is  held  by  Hector  of 
the  glancing  helmet” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Antilochos  had  horror  of  the  word 
he  heard.  And  long  time  speechlessness  possessed  him, 
and  his  eyes  were  filled  with  tears,  and  his  full  voice  choked. 
Yet  for  all  this  disregarded  he  not  the  bidding  of  Menelaos, 
but  set  him  to  run,  when  he  had  given  his  armour  to  a 
noble  comrade,  Laodokos,  who  close  anigh  him  was  wheel- 
ing his  whole-hooved  horses. 


ILIAD  XVII,  700-733 


364 

So  him  his  feet  bare  out  of  the  battle  weeping,  to 
Achilles  son  of  Peleus  carrying  an  evil  tale.  But  thy  heart, 
Menelaos  fosterling  of  Zeus,  chose  not  to  stay  to  aid  the 
wearied  comrades  from  whom  Antilochos  departed,  and 
great  sorrow  was  among  the  Pylians.  But  to  them  Mene- 
laos sent  noble  Thrasymedes,  and  himself  went  again  to  be- 
stride the  hero  Patroklos.  And  he  hasted  and  stood  beside 
the  Aiantes  and  straightway  spake  to  them  : “ So  have  I sent 
that  man  to  the  swift  ships  to  go  to  fleet-footed  Achilles. 
Yet  deem  I not  that  he  will  now  come,  for  all  his  wrath 
against  noble  Plector,  for  he  could  not  fight  unarmed  against 
the  men  of  Troy.  But  let  us  ourselves  devise  some  ex- 
cellent means,  both  how  we  may  hale  the  dead  away,  and 
how  we  ourselves  may  escape  death  and  fate  amid  the 
Trojans’  battle-cry.” 

Then  answered  him  great  Aias  Telamon’s  son,  saying: 
“All  this  hast  thou  said  well,  most  noble  Menelaos.  But 
do  thou  and  Meriones  put  your  shoulders  beneath  the  dead 
and  lift  him  and  bear  him  swiftly  out  of  the  fray,  while  we 
twain  behind  you  shall  do  battle  with  the  Trojans  and  noble 
Hector,  one  in  heart  as  we  are  in  name,  for  from  of  old 
time  we  are  wont  to  await  fierce  battle  side  by  side.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  others  took  the  dead  man  in  their 
arms  and  lifted  him  mightily  on  high.  But  the  Trojan  host 
behind  cried  aloud  when  they  saw  the  Achaians  lifting  the 
corpse,  and  charged  like  hounds  that  spring  in  front  oi 
hunter-youths  upon  a wounded  wild  boar,  and  for  a while 
run  in  in  haste  to  rend  him,  but  when  he  wheeleth  round 
among  them,  trusting  in  his  might,  then  they  give  ground 
and  shrink  back  here  and  there.  Thus  for  a while  the 
Trojans  pressed  on  with  all  their  power,  striking  with  swords 
and  double-headed  spears,  but  when  the  Aiantes  turned 
about  and  halted  over  against  them,  then  they  changed 


ILIAD  XVII,  733-76i  365 

colour,  and  none  dared  farther  onset  to  do  battle  around 
the  dead. 

Thus  were  those  twain  struggling  to  bear  the  corpse  out 
of  the  battle  toward  the  hollow  ships,  but  the  stress  of  war 
waxed  fierce  upon  them  as  fire  that  leapeth  on  a city  of  men 
and  bursteth  into  sudden  blaze,  and  houses  perish  amid  the 
mighty  glare,  and  it  roareth  beneath  the  strength  of  the 
wind.  Thus  roared  the  unceasing  din  of  horses  and  of  fight- 
ing men  against  the  bearers  as  they  went.  As  mules  that 
throw  their  great  strength  into  the  draught  and  drag  out  of  the 
mountain  down  a rugged  track  some  beam  or  huge  ship- 
timber,  and  their  hearts  as  they  strive  are  spent  with  toil  and 
sweat,  thus  were  those  twain  struggling  to  bear  the  corpse. 
And  behind  them  the  two  Aiantes  held  their  ground,  as  a 
woody  ridge  that  chanceth  to  stretch  all  its  length  across  the 
plain  holdeth  back  a flood  and  stayeth  even  the  wasting 
streams  of  mighty  rivers,  and  turneth  all  their  current  wander- 
ing into  the  plain,  neither  doth  the  violence  of  their  stream 
break  through  it.  Thus  ever  the  Aiantes  kept  back  the 
Trojans’  battle,  but  they  pressed  hard  anigh,  and  among 
them  twain  the  first,  even  Aineias,  Anchises’  son,  and  glori- 
ous Hector.  As  flieth  a flock  of  starlings  or  of  daws  with 
confused  cries  when  they  see  a hawk  coming,  to  small  birds 
bearer  of  death,  thus  before  Aineias  and  Hector  the  Achaian 
youth  confusedly  crying  fell  back,  and  forgat  the  joy  of 
battle.  And  thickly  fell  the  goodly  arms  about  and  around 
the  trench,  as  the  Danaans  fled,  and  there  was  never  a pause 
of  fight. 


BOOK  XVIII. 


How  Achilles  grieved  for  Patroklos,  and  how  Thetis  asked  for  him 

new  armour  of  Hephaistos  ; and  of  the  making  of  the  armour. 

Thus  fought  the  rest  in  the  likeness  of  blazing  fire,  while 
to  Achilles  came  Antilochos,  a messenger  fleet  of  foot  Him 
found  he  in  front  of  his  ships  of  upright  horns,  boding  in  his 
soul  the  things  which  even  now  were  accomplished.  And 
sore  troubled  he  spake  to  his  great  heart : “Ay  me,  wherefore 
again  are  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  flocking  to  the  ships 
and  flying  in  rout  over  the  plain  ? May  the  gods  not  have 
wrought  against  me  the  grievous  fears  at  my  heart,  even  as 
my  mother  revealed  and  told  me  that  while  I am  yet  alive 
the  best  man  of  the  Myrmidons  must  by  deed  of  the  men 
of  Troy  forsake  the  light  of  the  sun.  Surely  now  must 
Menoitios’  valiant  son  be  dead — foolhardy ! surely  I bade 
him  when  he  should  have  beaten  off  the  fire  of  the  foe  to 
come  back  to  the  ships  nor  with  Hector  fight  amain.” 

While  thus  he  held  debate  in  his  heart  and  soul,  there 
drew  nigh  unto  him.  noble  Nestor’s  son,  shedding  hot  tears, 
and  spake  his  grievous  tidings  : “ Ay  me,  wise  Peleus’  son, 
very  bitter  tidings  must  thou  hear,  such  as  1 would  had 
never  been.  Fallen  is  Patroklos,  and  they  are  fighting 
around  his  body,  naked,  for  his  armour  is  held  by  Plectoi 
of  the  glancing  helm.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  a black  cloud  of  grief  enwrapped  i 


ILIAD  XVIII,  23-58 


367 


Achilles,  and  with  both  hands  he  took  dark  dust  and  poured 
it  over  his  head  and  defiled  his  comely  face,  and  on  his 
fragrant  doublet  black  ashes  fell.  And  himself  in  the  dust 
iay  mighty  and  mightily  fallen,  and  with  his  own  hands  tore 
and  marred  his  hair.  And  the  handmaidens,  whom  Achilles 
and  Patroklos  took  captive,  cried  aloud  in  the  grief  of  their 
hearts,  and  ran  forth  around  valiant  Achilles,  and  all  beat  on 
their  breasts  with  their  hands,  and  the  knees  of  each  of  them 
were  unstrung.  And  Antilochos  on  the  other  side  wailed 
and  shed  tears,  holding  Achilles’  hands  while  he  groaned  in 
his  noble  heart,  for  he  feared  lest  he  should  cleave  his 
:hroat  with  the  sword.  Then  terribly  moaned  Achilles ; 
and  his  lady  mother  heard  him  as  she  sate  in  the  depths  of 
the  sea  beside  her  ancient  sire.  And  thereon  she  uttered  a 
:ry,  and  the  goddesses  flocked  around  her,  all  the  daughters 
pf  Nereus  that  were  in  the  deep  of  the  sea.  There  were 
31auke,  and  Thaleia,  and  Kymodoke,  Nesaia  and  Speio 
md  Thoe  and  ox-eyed  Halie  and  Kymothoe  and  Aktaie 
tnd  Limnoreia  and  Melite  and  Iaira  and  Amphithoe 
md  Agaue  and  Doto  and  Proto  and  Pherusa  and 

1 

Dynamene  and  Dexamene  and  Amphinome  and  Kallia- 
teira,  Doris  and  Panope  and  noble  Galateia,  and  Nemertes, 
ind  Apseudes  and  Kallianassa,  and  there  were  Klymene 
md  Ianeira  and  Ianassa  and  Maira,  and  Oreithuia,  and 
air-tressed  Amathyia,  and  other  Nereids  that  were  in  the 
ieep  of  the  sea.  With  these  the  bright  cave  was  filled,  and 
hey  all  beat  together  on  their  breasts,  and  Thetis  led  the 
ament : “ Listen,  sister  Nereids,  that  ye  all  hear  and  know 
veil  what  sorrows  are  in  my  heart  Ay  me  unhappy,  ay  me 
hat  bare  to  my  sorrow  the  first  of  men  ! For  after  I had 
10m  a son  noble  and  strong,  the  chief  of  heroes,  and  he 
hot  up  like  a young  branch,  then  when  I had  reared  him  as 
plant  in  a very  fhiitful  field  I sent  him  in  beaked  ships  to 


ILIAD  XVIII,  58-89 


368 

Ilios  to  fight  against  the  men  of  Troy  ; but  never  again  shall 
I welcome  him  back  to  his  home,  to  the  house  of  Peleus. 
And  while  he  yet  liveth  in  my  sight  and  beholdeth  the  light 
of  the  sun,  he  sorroweth,  neither  can  I help  him  any  whit 
though  I go  unto  him.  But  I will  go,  that  I may  look 
upon  my  dear  child,  and  learn  what  sorrow  hath  come  to 
him  though  he  abide  aloof  from  the  war.” 

Thus  spake  she  and  left  the  cave ; and  the  nymphs  went 
with  her  weeping,  and  around  them  the  surge  of  the  sea  was 
sundered.  And  when  they  came  to  deep-soiled  Troy-land 
they  went  up  upon  the  shore  in  order,  where  the  ships  of  the 
Myrmidons  were  drawn  up  thickly  around  fleet  Achilles, 
And  as  he  groaned  heavily  his  lady  mother  stood  beside 
him,  and  with  a shrill  cry  clasped  the  head  of  her  child,  and 
spake  unto  him  winged  words  of  lamentation  : “ My  child, 
why  weepest  thou?  what  sorrow  hath  come  to  thy  heart? 
Tell  it  forth,  hide  it  not.  One  thing  at  least  hath  been 
accomplished  of  Zeus  according  to  the  prayer  thou  madest, 
holding  up  to  him  thy  hands,  that  the  sons  of  the  Achaians 
should  all  be  pent  in  at  the  ships,  through  lack  of  thee,  and 
should  suffer  hateful  things.” 

Then  groaning  heavily  spake  unto  her  Achilles  fleet  of 
foot : “ My  mother,  that  prayer  truly  hath  the  Olympian 
accomplished  for  me.  But  what  delight  have  I therein, 
since  my  dear  comrade  is  dead,  Patroklos,  whom  I honoured 
above  all  my  comrades  as  it  were  my  very  self?  Him  have 
I lost,  and  Hector  that  slew  him  hath  stripped  from  him  the 
armour  great  and  fair,  a wonder  to  behold,  that  the  gods 
gave  to  Peleus  a splendid  gift,  on  the  day  when  they 
laid  thee  in  the  bed  of  a mortal  man.  Would  thou 
hadst  abode  among  the  deathless  daughters  of  the  sea,  and 
Peleus  had  wedded  a mortal  bride ! But  now,  that  thou 
mayest  have  sorrow  a thousandfold  in  thy  heart  for  a dead 


ILIAD  XVIII,  89-123 


369 

on,  never  shalt  thou  welcome  him  back  home,  since  my 
oul  biddeth  me  also  live  no  longer  nor  abide  among  men, 
f Hector  be  not  first  smitten  by  my  spear  and  yield  his  life, 
.nd  pay  for  his  slaughter  of  Patroklos,  Menoitios’  son.” 

Then  answered  unto  him  Thetis  shedding  tears : “ Short- 
ived,  I ween,  must  thou  be  then,  my  child,  by  what  thou 
jayest,  for  straightway  after  Hector  is  death  appointed  unto 
jnee.” 

Then  mightily  moved  spake  unto  her  Achilles  fleet  of 
oot : “ Straightway  may  I die,  since  I might  not  suc- 
:our  my  comrade  at  his  slaying.  He  hath  fallen  afar 
rom  his  country  and  lacked  my  help  in  his  sore  need. 
Slow  therefore,  since  I go  not  back  to  my  dear  native  land, 
neither  have  at  all  been  succour  to  Patroklos  nor  to  all  my 
rther  comrades  that  have  been  slain  by  noble  Hector,  but  1 
lit  beside  my  ships  a profitless  burden  of  the  earth,  I that  in 
var  am  such  an  one  as  is  none  else  of  the  mail-clad  Achai- 
Ins,  though  in  council  are  others  better — may  strife  perish 
utterly  among  gods  and  men,  and  wrath  that  stirreth  even  a 
vise  man  to  be  vexed,  wrath  that  far  sweeter  than  trickling 
loney  waxeth  like  smoke  in  the  breasts  of  men,  even  as  I 
vas  wroth  even  now  against  Agamemnon  king  of  men. 
3ut  bygones  will  we  let  be,  for  all  our  pain,  curbing  the 
leart  in  our  breasts  under  necessity.  Now  go  I forth,  that 
i'  may  light  on  the  destroyer  of  him  I loved,  on  Hector  : then 
vill  I accept  my  death  whensoever  Zeus  willeth  to  accom- 
plish it  and  the  other  immortal  gods.  For  not  even  the 
nighty  Herakles  escaped  death,  albeit  most  dear  to  Kronian 
ileus  the  king,  but  Fate  overcame  him  and  Hera’s  cruel 
vrath.  So  also  shall  I,  if  my  fate  hath  been  fashioned  like- 
vise.  lie  low  when  I am  dead.  But  now  let  me  win  high 
enown,  let  me  set  some  Trojan  woman,  some  deep-bosomed 
laughter  of  Dardanos,  staunching  with  both  hands  the  tears 


3 7° 


ILIAD  XVIII,  1 23-1 55 


upon  her  tender  cheeks  and  wailing  bitterly ; yea,  let  thei 
know  that  I am  come  back,  though  I tarried  long  from  tl 
war.  Hold  not  me  then  from  the  battle  in  thy  love,  f( 
thou  shalt  not  prevail  with  me.” 

Then  Thetis  the  silver-footed  goddess  answered  him  sa' 
ing:  “Yea  verily,  my  child,  no  blame  is  in  this,  that  tho 
ward  sheer  destruction  from  thy  comrades  in  their  distress 
But  thy  fair  glittering  armour  of  bronze  is  held  among  th 
Trojans.  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  beareth  it  on  hi 
shoulders  in  triumph,  yet  not  for  long,  I ween,  shall  he  glor 
therein,  for  death  is  hard  anigh  him.  But  thou  go  not  ye 
down  into  the  mellay  of  war  until  thou  see  me  with  thin, 
eyes  come  hither.  In  the  morning  will  I return,  at  thi 
coming  up  of  the  sun,  bearing  fair  armour  from  the  king 
Hephaistos.” 

Thus  spake  she  and  turned  to  go  from  her  son,  and  as| 
she  turned  she  spake  among  her  sisters  of  the  sea:  “Ye 
now  go  down  wuthin  the  wide  bosom  of  the  deep,  to  visit  the 
Ancient  One  of  the  Sea  and  our  father’s  house,  and  tell  him 
all.  I am  going  to  high  Olympus  to  Hephaistos  of  noble 
skill,  if  haply  he  will  give  unto  my  son  noble  armour  shin- 
ing gloriously.” 

Thus  spake  she,  and  they  forthwith  went  down  beneath 
the  surge  of  the  sea.  And  the  silver-footed  goddess  Thetis 
went  on  to  Olympus  that  she  might  bring  noble  armour 
to  her  son. 

So  her  unto  Olympus  her  feet  bore.  But  the  Achaians 
with  terrible  cries  were  fleeing  before  man-slaying  Hector  till 
they  came  to  the  ships  and  to  the  Hellespont.  Nor  might 
the  well-greaved  Achaians  drag  the  corpse  of  Patroklos 
Achilles’  squire  out  of  the  darts,  for  now  again  overtook  him 
the  host  and  the  horses  of  Troy,  and  Hector  son  of  Priam, 
in  might  as  it  were  a flame  of  fire.  Thrice  did  glorious 


ILIAD  XVIII,  155-188 


37i 


Sector  seize  him  from  behind  by  the  feet,  resolved  to  drag 
lm  away,  and  mightily  called  upon  the  men  of  Troy, 
hrice  did  the  two  Aiantes,  clothed  on  with  impetuous 
:ight,  beat  him  off  from  the  dead  man,  but  he  nathless, 
asting  in  his  might,  anon  would  charge  into  the  press,  anon 
ould  stand  and  cry  aloud,  but  he  gave  ground  never  a whit, 
s when  shepherds  in  the  field  avail  no  wise  to  chase  a 
;ry  lion  in  fierce  hunger  away  from  a carcase,  so  availed 
ot  the  two  warrior  Aiantes  to  scare  Hector  son  of  Priam 
om  the  dead.  And  now  would  he  have  w'on  the  body  and 
lined  renown  unspeakable,  had  not  fleet  w-ind-footed  Iris 
i>me  speeding  from  Olympus  with  a message  to  the  son  of 
sleus  to  array  him,  unknown  of  Zeus  and  the  other  gods, 
jr  Hera  sent  her.  And  she  stood  anigh  and  spake  to 
m winged  words  : “ Rouse  thee,  son  of  Peleus,  of  all  men 
ost  redoubtable!  Succour  Patroklos,  for  whose  body  is 
.rrible  battle  afoot  before  the  ships.  There  slay  they  one 
aother,  these  guarding  the  dead  corpse,  while  the  men  of 
;roy  are  fierce  to  hale  him  unto  windy  Ilios,  and  chiefiiest 
oble  Hector  is  fain  to  drag  him,  and  his  heart  biddeth  him 
it  the  head  on  the  stakes  of  the  wall  when  he  hath  sundered 
from  the  tender  neck.  But  arise,  lie  thus  no  longer ! let 
;ve  enter  thy  heart  to  forbid  that  Patroklos  become  the 
)ort  of  dogs  of  Troy.  Thine  were  the  shame  if  he  go 
)wn  mangled  amid  the  dead.” 

Then  answered  her  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles : “ God- 
ess  Iris,  what  god  sent  thee  a messenger  unto  me  ?” 

And  to  him  again  spake  wind-footed  fleet  Iris : “ It  was 
era  that  sent  me,  the  wise  wife  of  Zeus,  nor  knoweth  the 
gh-throned  son  of  Kronos  nor  any  other  of  the  Immortals 
iat  on  snowy  Olympus  have  their  dwelling-place.” 

And  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  made  answer  to  her  and  said  : 
And  how  may  I go  into  the  fray?  The  Trojans  hold  mj 


372 


ILIAD  XVIII,  1 88-2 20 


arms ; and  my  dear  mother  bade  me  forbear  to  array  ro 
until  I behold  her  with  my  eyes  returned,  for  she  promise 
to  bring  fair  armour  from  Hephaistos.  Other  man  know 
none  whose  noble  armour  I might  put  on,  save  it  were  th 
shield  of  Aias  Telamon's  son.  But  himself,  I vreen,  is  i 
the  fore-front  of  the  press,  dealing  death  with  his  spes 
around  Patroklos  dead.” 

Then  again  spake  unto  him  wind-footed  fleet  Iris : “ We 
are  we  also  aware  that  thy  noble  armour  is  held  from  thee 
But  go  forth  unto  the  trench  as  thou  art  and  show  thyself  ti 
the  men  of  Troy,  if  haply  they  will  shrink  back  and  refraii 
them  from  battle,  and  the  warlike  sons  of  the  Achaians  tab 
breath  [amid  their  toil,  for  small  breathing-time  is  in  thi 
thick  of  fight].” 

Thus  spake  fleet-footed  Iris  and  went  her  way.  Bu 
Achilles  dear  to  Zeus  arose,  and  around  his  strong  shoulder: 
Athene  cast  her  tasselled  aegis,  and  around  his  head  the 
bright  goddess  set  a crown  of  a golden  cloud,  and  kindlec 
therefrom  a blazing  flame.  And  as  when  a smoke  issued 
from  a city  and  riseth  up  into  the  upper  air,  from  an  islanc 
afar  oft’  that  foes  beleaguer,  while  the  others1  from  their  citj 
fight  all  day  in  hateful  war, — but  with  the  going  down  of  tht 
sun  blaze  out  the  beacon-fires  in  line,  and  high  aloft  rushed 
up  the  glare  for  dwellers  round  about  to  behold,  if  haply 
they  may  come  with  ships  to  help  in  need — thus  from  the 
head  of  Achilles  soared  that  blaze  toward  the  heavens.  And 
he  went  and  stood  beyond  the  wall  beside  the  trench,  yet 
mingled  not  among  the  Achaians,  for  he  minded  the  wise 
bidding  of  his  mother.  There  stood  he  and  shouted  aloud, 
and  afar  off  Pallas  Athene  uttered  her  voice,  and  spread 
terror  unspeakable  among  the  men  of  Troy.  Clear  as  the 
voice  of  a clarion  when  it  soundeth  by  reason  of  slaughterous 

1 Reading  ol  Si  for  of  rt 


ILIAD  XVIII,  220-252 


373 


oemen  that  beleaguer  a city,  so  clear  rang  forth  the  voice 
>f  Aiakides.  And  when  they  heard  the  brazen  voice  of 
\iakides,  the  souls  of  all  of  them  were  dismayed,  and  the 
rorses  of  goodly  manes  were  fain  to  turn  the  chariots  back- 
ward, for  they  boded  anguish  in  their  hearts.  And  the 
charioteers  were  amazed  when  they  saw  the  unwearying  fire 
blaze  fierce  on  the  head  of  the  great-hearted  son  of  Peleus, 
or  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene  made  it  blaze.  Thrice 
from  over  the  trench  shouted  mightily  noble  Achilles,  and 
hrice  were  the  men  of  Troy  confounded  and  their  proud 
lilies.  Yea  there  and  then  perished  twelve  men  of  their  best 
by  their  own  chariot  wheels  and  spears.  But  the  Achaians 
with  joy  drew  Patroklos  forth  of  the  darts  and  laid  him 
>n  a litter,  and  his  dear  comrades  stood  around  lamenting 
lim ; and  among  them  followed  fleet-footed  Achilles,  shed- 
ling  hot  tears,  for  his  true  comrade  he  saw  lying  on  the 
bier,  mangled  by  the  keen  bronze.  Him  sent  he  forth 
with  chariot  and  horses  unto  the  battle,  but  home  again 
welcomed  never  more. 

Then  Hera  the  ox-eyed  queen  sent  down  the  unwearying 
3un  to  be  gone  unwillingly  unto  the  streams  of  Ocean,  So 
he  Sun  set,  and  the  noble  Achaians  made  pause  from  the 
tress  of  battle  and  the  hazardous  war. 

Now  the  men  of  Troy  on  their  side  when  they  were  come 
back  out  of  the  violent  fray  loosed  their  swift  horses  from 
he  chariots  and  gathered  themselves  in  assembly  or  ever 
hey  would  sup.  Upon  their  feet  they  stood  in  the  assembly, 
(either  had  any  man  heart  to  sit,  for  fear  was  fallen  upon  all 
lecause  Achilles  was  come  forth,  after  long  ceasing  from 
ell  battle.  Then  began  to  speak  among  them  wise  Poly- 
lamas, son  of  Panthoos,  for  he  alone  saw  before  and  after, 
lomrade  of  Hector  was  he,  and  in  the  same  night  were  both 
orn,  but  the  one  in  speech  was  far  the  best,  the  other 


374 


ILIAD  XVIII,  252-286 


with  the  spear.  So  with  good  intent  toward  them  he  mac 
harangue  and  spake:  “Take  good  heed  on  both  sides,  1 
my  friends ; for  my  part  I would  have  ye  go  up  now  to  th 
city,  not  wait  for  bright  morning  on  the  plain  beside  th 
ships,  for  we  are  far  off  from  the  wall.  So  long  as  this  ma 
was  wroth  with  noble  Agamemnon,  so  long  were  the  Achaiar 
easier  to  fight  against,  ay  and  I too  rejoiced  when  I couche 
nigh  their  swift  ships,  trusting  that  we  should  seize  the  curve 
ships  for  a prey.  But  now  am  I sore  afraid  of  the  fleet  so 
of  Peleus  ; so  exceeding  fierce  is  his  heart,  he  will  not  choos 
to  abide  in  the  plain  where  Trojans  and  Achaians  both  i 
the  midst  share  the  spirit  of  war,  but  the  prize  he  doeth  battl 
for  will  be  our  city  and  our  wives.  Now  go  we  up  to  our  fast 
ness ; hearken  unto  me,  for  thus  will  it  be.  Now  hath  divin 
night  stayed  the  fleet  son  of  Peleus,  but  if  to-morrow  full 
armed  for  the  onset  he  shall  light  upon  us  abiding  here,  wei 
shall  each  know  that  it  is  he,  for  gladly  will  whosoever  fleet’1, 
win  to  sacred  Ilios,  and  many  of  the  men  of  Troy  shall  dog 
and  vultures  devour — far  be  that  from  my  ear.  But  ill 
though  loth,  we  hearken  unto  my  words,  this  night  in  counse 
we  shall  possess  our  strength,  and  the  city  shall  be  guardei 
of  her  towers  and  high  gates  and  tall  well-polished  door 
that  fit  thereon  close-shut  But  at  dawn  of  day  in  armou 
harnessed  will  we  take  our  stand  along  the  towers.  Ill  wil 
he  fare  if  he  come  forth  from  the  ships  to  fight  with  us  fo 
our  wall.  Back  to  his  ships  shall  he  betake  him  when  ii 
vain  chase  he  hath  given  his  strong-necked  horses  their  fil 
of  hasting  everywhither  beneath  the  town.  But  within  i 
never  will  he  have  heart  to  force  his  way,  nor  ever  lay  i 
waste ; ere  then  shall  he  be  devoured  of  swift  dogs.” 

Then  with  stem  gaze  spake  unto  him  Hector  of  th 
glancing  helm : “ Polydamas,  no  longer  to  my  liking  dos 
thou  speak  now,  in  that  thou  biddest  us  go  back  and  h 


ILIAD  XVIII,  286-318 


375 


;nt  within  the  town.  Have  ye  not  had  your  fill  already  of 
;ing  pent  behind  the  towers  ? Of  old  time  all  mortal  men 
ould  tell  of  this  city  of  Priam  for  the  much  gold  and  bronze 
iereof,  but  now  are  its  goodly  treasures  perished  out  of 
s dwellings,  and  much  goods  are  sold  away  to  Phrygia 
id  pleasant  Maionia,  since  mighty  Zeus  dealt  evilly  with 
s.  But  now  when  the  son  of  crooked-counselling  Kronos 
ath  given  me  to  win  glory  at  the  ships  and  to  pen  the 
chaians  beside  the  sea,  no  longer,  fond  man,  put  forth 
ich  counsels  among  the  folk.  No  man  of  Troy  will  hearken 
nto  thee,  I will  not  suffer  it.  But  come  let  us  all  be 
ersuaded  as  I shall  say.  Sup  now  in  your  ranks  through- 
ut  the  host,  and  keep  good  ward,  and  each  watch  in  his 
lace.  And  whoso  of  the  Trojans  is  grieved  beyond  mea- 
ire  for  his  goods,  let  him  gather  them  together  and  give 
lem  to  the  people  to  consume  in  common,  for  it  is  better 
ley  have  joy  thereof  than  the  Achaians.  Then  at  dawn  of 
ay  in  armour  harnessed  at  the  hollow  ships  we  will  arouse 
een  war.  What  though  in  very  truth  noble  Achilles  be 
risen  beside  the  ships,  ill  shall  he  fare,  if  he  will  have  it  so. 
at  least  will  not  flee  from  him  out  of  the  dread-sounding 
ar,  but  full  facing  him  will  I stand,  to  try  whether  he  win 
reat  victory,  or  haply  I.  The  war-god  is  alike  to  all  and  a 
ayer  of  him  that  would  slay.” 

Thus  Hector  spake,  and  the  men  of  Troy  applauded 
ith  fond  hearts,  for  Pallas  Athene  bereft  them  of  their 
it.  And  they  gave  assent  to  the  ill  advising  of  Hector,  but 
one  hearkened  to  Polydamas  who  devised  good  counsel, 
'hen  they  supped  throughout  the  host ; but  the  Achaians 
II  night  made  moan  in  lamentation  for  Patroklos.  And 
rst  of  them  in  the  loud  lamentation  was  the  son  of 
eleus,  laying  upon  the  breast  of  his  comrade  his  man-slay- 
lg  hands  and  moaning  very  sore,  even  as  a deep-bearded 


1 


3 76 


ILIAD  XVIII,  318-350 


lion  whose  whelps  some  stag-hunter  hath  snatched  away  ou 
of  a deep  wood  ; and  the  lion  coming  afterward  grieveth,  anc 
through  many  glens  he  rangeth  on  the  track  of  the  foot 
steps  of  the  man,  if  anywhere  he  might  find  him,  for  mos 
bitter  anger  seizeth  him; — thus  Achilles  moaning  heavilj 
spake  among  the  Myrmidons : “ Ay  me,  vain  verily  wa: 
the  word  I uttered  on  that  day  when  I cheered  the  here 
Menoitios  in  his  halls  and  said  that  I would  bring  back  tc 
Opoeis  his  son  in  glory  from  the  sack  of  Ilios  with  the 
share  of  spoil  that  should  fall  unto  him.  Not  all  the  pur- 
poses of  men  doth  Zeus  accomplish  for  them.  It  is  ap 
pointed  that  both  of  us  redden  the  same  earth  with  oui 
blood  here  in  Troy-land,  for  neither  shall  the  old  knight 
Peleus  welcome  me  back  home  within  his  halls,  nor  my 
mother  Thetis,  but  even  here  shall  earth  keep  hold  on  me. 
Yet  now,  O Patroklos,  since  I follow  thee  under  earth,  I 
will  not  hold  thy  funeral  till  I have  brought  hither  the 
armour  and  the  head  of  Hector,  thy  high-hearted  slayer,1 
and  before  thy  pyre  I will  cut  the  throats  of  twelve  noble  sons 
of  the  men  of  Troy,  for  mine  anger  thou  art  slain.  Till 
then  beside  the  beaked  ships  shalt  thou  lie  as  thou  art,  and 
around  thee  deep-bosomed  women,  Trojan  and  Dardanian, 
shall  mourn  thee  weeping  night  and  day,  even  they  whom 
we  toiled  to  win  by  our  strength  and  our  long  spears  when 
we  sacked  rich  cities  of  mortal  men.” 

Thus  spake  noble  Achilles,  and  bade  his  comrades  set 
a great  tripod  on  the  fire,  that  with  all  speed  they  might 
wash  from  Patroklos  the  bloody  gore.  So  they  set  a tripod 
of  ablution  on  the  burning  fire,  and  poured  therein  water 
and  took  wood  and  kindled  it  beneath ; and  the  fire 
wrapped  the  belly  of  the  tripod,  and  the  water  grew  hot 
And  when  the  water  boiled  in  the  bright  bronze,  then 
1 Or,  reading  <rsit>.  “ slayer  of  thee  the  high  -hearted-  ” 


ILIAD  XVIII,  350-383 


377 


washed  they  him  and  anointed  with  olive  oil,  and  filled 
his  wounds  with  fresh  ointment,  and  laid  him  on  a bier  and 
covered  him  with  soft  cloth  from  head  to  foot,  and  there- 
over a white  robe.  Then  all  night  around  Achilles  fleet  of 
foot  the  Myrmidons  made  lament  and  moan  for  Patroklos. 

Meanwhile  Zeus  spake  unto  Hera  his  sister  and  wife: 
“Thou  hast  accomplished  this,  O Hera,  ox-eyed  queen, 
thou  hast  aroused  Achilles  fleet  of  foot  Verily  of  thine 
own  children  must  the  flowing-haired  Achaians  be.” 

Then  answered  unto  him  Hera  the  ox-eyed  queen : 
“Most  dread  son  of  Kronos,  what  is  this  word  thou  hast 
said?  Truly  even  a man,  I ween,  is  to  accomplish  what  he 
may  for  another  man,  albeit  he  is  mortal  and  hath  not 
wisdom  as  we.  How  then  was  I who  avow  me  the  first  of 
goddesses  both  by  birth  and  for  that  I am  called  thy  wife, 
and  thou  art  king  among  all  Immortals — how  was  I not  in 
mine  anger  to  devise  evil  against  the  men  of  Troy?” 

So  debated  they  on  this  wise  with  one  another.  But 
Thetis  of  the  silver  feet  came  unto  the  house  of  Hephaistos, 
imperishable,  starlike,  far  seen  among  the  dwellings  of  Im- 
mortals, a house  of  bronze,  wrought  by  the  crook-footed  god 
himself.  Him  found  she  sweating  in  toil  and  busy  about 
his  bellows,  for  he  was  forging  tripods  twenty  in  all  to  stand 
around  the  wall  of  his  stablished  hall,  and  beneath  the  base 
of  each  he  had  set  golden  wheels,  that  of  their  own  motion 
they  might  enter  the  assembly  of  the  gods  and  again  return 
unto  his  house,  a marvel  to  look  upon.  Thus  much  were  they 
finished  that  not  yet  were  the  ears  of  cunning  work  set 
. thereon ; these  was  he  making  ready,  and  welding  chains. 
While  hereat  he  was  labouring  with  wise  intent,  then  drew , 
nigh  unto  him  Thetis,  goddess  of  the  silver  feet  And 
1 Charis  went  forward  and  beheld  her,  fair  Charis  of  the 
shining  chaplet  whom  the  renowned  lame  god  had  wedded 


373 


ILIAD  XVIII,  384-415 


And  she  clasped  her  hand  in  hers  and  spake  and  called  her 
by  her  name : “ Wherefore,  long-robed  Thetis,  comest  thou 
to  our  house,  honoured  that  thou  art  and  dear?  No  fre- 
quent comer  art  thou  hitherto.  But  come  onward  with  me 
that  I may  set  guest-cheer  before  thee.” 

Thus  spake  the  bright  goddess  and  led  her  on.  Then 
set  she  her  on  a silver-studded  throne,  goodly,  of  cunning 
work,  and  a footstool  was  beneath  her  feet ; and  she  called 
to  Hephaistos,  the  famed  artificer,  and  said  unto  him : 
“ Hephaistos,  come  forth  hither,  Thetis  hath  need  of  thee.” 

And  the  renowned  lame  god  made  answer  to  her:  “Verily  a 
dread  and  honoured  goddess  in  my  sight  is  she  that  is  within, 
seeing  that  she  delivered  me  when  pain  came  upon  me  from 
my  great  fall  though  the  ill-will  of  my  shameless  mother  who 
would  fain  have  hid  me  away,  for  that  I was  lame.  Then  had 
I suffered  anguish  of  heart  had  not  Eurynome  and  Thetis 
taken  me  into  their  bosom — Eurynome  daughter  of  Ocean 
that  floweth  back  ever  upon  himself.  Nine  years  with  them 
I wrought  much  cunning  work  of  bronze,  brooches  and  spiral 
arm-bands  and  cups  and  necklaces,  in  the  hollow  cave, 
while  around  me  the  stream  of  Ocean  with  murmuring  foam 
flowed  infinite.  Neither  knew  thereof  any  other  of  gods  or 
of  mortal  men,  save  only  Thetis  and  Eurynome  who  de- 
livered me.  And  now  cometh  Thetis  to  our  house  ; where- 
fore behoveth  it  me  verily  in  all  wise  to  repay  fair-tressed 
Thetis  for  the  saving  of  my  life.  But  do  thou  now  set 
beside  her  fair  entertainment,  while  I put  away  my  bellows 
and  all  my  gear.” 

He  said,  and  from  the  anvil  rose  limping,  a huge  bulk, 
but  under  him  his  slender  legs  moved  nimbly.  The  bellows 
he  set  away  from  the  fire,  and  gathered  all  his  gear  where- 
with he  worked  into  a silver  chest ; and  with  a sponge  he 
wiped  his  face  and  hands  and  sturdy  neck  and  shaggy 


ILIAD  XVIII,  415-447 


379 


breast,  and  did  on  his  doublet,  and  took  a stout  staff  and 
went  forth  limping;  but  there  were  handmaidens  of  gold  that 
moved  to  help  their  lord,  the  semblances  of  living  maids. 
In  them  is  understanding  at  their  hearts,  in  them  are  voice 
and  strength,  and  they  have  skill  of  the  immortal  gods. 
These  moved  beneath  their  lord,  and  he  gat  him  haltingly 
near  to  where  Thetis  was,  and  set  him  on  a bright  seat,  and 
clasped  her  hand  in  his  and  spake  and  called  her  by  her 
name : “ Wherefore,  long-robed  Thetis,  comest  thou  to  our 
house,  honoured  that  thou  art  and  dear?  No  frequent 
comer  art  thou  hitherto.  Speak  what  thou  hast  at  heart ; 
my  soul  is  fain  to  accomplish  it,  if  accomplish  it  I can,  and 
if  it  be  appointed  for  accomplishment.” 

Then  answered  unto  him  Thetis  shedding  tears : “ He- 
phaistos,  hath  there  verily  been  any  of  all  goddesses  in 
Olympus  that  hath  endured  so  many  grievous  sorrows  at 
heart  as  are  the  woes  that  Kronian  Zeus  hath  laid  upon  me 
above  all  others  ? He  chose  me  from  among  the  sisters  ol 
the  sea  to  enthrall  me  to  a man,  even  Peleus  Aiakos’  son, 
and  with  a man  I endured  wedlock  sore  against  my  will. 
Now  lieth  he  in  his  halls  forspent  with  grievous  age,  but 
other  griefs  are  mine.  A son  he  gave  me  to  bear  and 
nourish,  the  chief  of  heroes,  and  he  shot  up  like  a young 
branch.  Like  a plant  in  a very  fruitful  field  I reared  him 
and  sent  him  forth  on  beaked  ships  to  Ilios  to  fight  against 
the  men  of  Troy,  but  never  again  shall  I welcome  him  back 
to  his  home  within  the  house  of  Peleus.  And  while  he  yet 
liveth  in  my  sight  and  beholdeth  the  light  of  the  sun,  he 
sorroweth,  neither  can  I help  him  any  whit  though  I go  unto 
him.  The  maiden  whom  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  chose 
out  to  be  his  prize,  her  hath  the  lord  Agamemnon  taken 
back  out  of  his  hands.  In  grief  for  her  wasted  he  his  heart; 
while  the  men  of  Troy  were  driving  the  Achaians  on  their 


380 


ILIAD  XVIII,  447-481 


ships,  nor  suffered  them  to  come  forth.  And  the  elders  of 
the  Argives  entreated  him,  and  told  over  many  noble  gifts. 
Then  albeit  himself  he  refused  to  ward  destruction  from 
them,  he  put  his  armour  on  Patroklos  and  sent  him  to  the 
war,  and  much  people  with  him.  All  day  they  fought 
around  the  Skaian  gates  and  that  same  day  had  sacked  the 
town,  but  that  when  now  Menoitios’  valiant  son  had  wrought 
much  harm,  Apollo  slew  him  in  the  forefront  of  the  battle, 
and  gave  glory  unto  Hector.  Therefore  now  come  I a 
suppliant  unto  thy  knees,  if  haply  thou  be  willing  to  give 
my  short-lived  son  shield  and  helmet,  and  goodly  greaves 
fitted  with  ankle-pieces,  and  cuirass.  For  the  armour  that 
he  had  erst,  his  trusty  comrade  lost  when  he  fell  beneath 
the  men  of  Troy;  and  my  son  lieth  on  the  earth  with 
anguish  in  his  soul.” 

Then  made  answer  unto  her  the  lame  god  of  great 
renown  : “ Be  of  good  courage,  let  not  these  things  trouble 
thy  heart  Would  that  so  might  I avail  to  hide  him  far 
from  dolorous  death,  when  dread  fate  cometh  upon  him,  as 
surely  shall  goodly  armour  be  at  his  need,  such  as  all  men 
afterward  shall  marvel  at,  whosoever  may  behold.” 

Thus  saying  he  left  her  there  and  went  unto  his  bellows 
and  turned  them  upon  the  fire  and  bade  them  work.  And 
the  bellows,  twenty  in  all,  blew  on  the  crucibles,  sending 
deft  blasts  on  every  side,  now  to  aid  his  labour  and  now 
anon  howsoever  Hephaistos  willed  and  the  work  went  on. 
And  he  threw  bronze  that  weareth  not  into  the  fire,  and  tin 
and  precious  gold  and  silver,  and  next  he  set  on  an  anvil- 
stand  a great  anvil,  and  took  in  his  hand  a sturdy  hammer, 
and  in  the  other  he  took  the  tongs. 

First  fashioned  he  a shield  great  and  strong,  adorning  it 
all  over,  and  set  thereto  a shining  rim,  triple,  bright-glancing, 
and  therefrom  a silver  baldrick.  Five  were  the  folds  of 


ILIAD  XVIII,  481-511 


33i 


the  shield  itself ; and  therein  fashioned  he  much  cunning 
work  from  his  wise  heart. 

There  wrought  he  the  earth,  and  the  heavens,  and  the 
sea,  and  the  unwearying  sun,  and  the  moon  waxing  to  the 
full,  and  the  signs  every  one  wherewith  the  heavens  are 
crowned,  Pleiads  and  Hyads  and  Orion’s  might,  and  the 
Bear  that  men  call  also  the  Wain,  her  that  turneth  in  her 
place  and  watcheth  Orion,  and  alone  hath  no  part  in  the 
baths  of  Ocean. 

Also  he  fashioned  therein  two  fair  cities  of  mortal  men. 
In  the  one  were  espousals  and  marriage  feasts,  and  beneath 
the  blaze  of  torches  they  were  leading  the  brides  from  their 
chambers  through  the  city,  and  loud  arose  the  bridal  song. 
And  young  men  were  whirling  in  the  dance,  and  among  them 
flutes  and  viols  sounded  high ; and  the  women  standing  each 
at  her  door  were  marvelling.  But  the  folk  were  gathered  in 
the  assembly  place ; for  there  a strife  was  arisen,  two  men 
striving  about  the  blood-price  of  a man  slain ; the  one 
claimed  to  pay  full  atonement,  expounding  to  the  people, 
but  the  other  denied  him  and  would  take  naught ; and  both 
were  fain  to  receive  arbitrament  at  the  hand  of  a daysman. 
And  the  folk  were  cheering  both,  as  they  took  part  on 
either  side.  And  heralds  kept  order  among  the  folk,  while 
the  elders  on  polished  stones  were  sitting  in  the  sacred 
circle,  and  holding  in  their  hands  staves  from  the  loud- 
voiced  heralds.  Then  before  the  people  they  rose  up  and 
gave  judgment  each  in  turn.  And  in  the  midst  lay  two 
talents  of  gold,  to  be  given  unto  him  who  should  plead 
among  them  most  righteously.1 

But  around  the  other  city  were  two  armies  in  siege  with 
glittering  arms.  And  two  counsels  found  favour  among 
them,  either  to  sack  the  town  or  to  share  all  with  the  towns- 
1 Of  rather,  “should  utter  among  them  the  most  righteous  doom.” 


ILIAD  XVIII,  5 1 2-541 


382 

folk1  even  whatsoever  substance  the  fair  city  held  within. 
But  the  besieged  were  not  yet  yielding,  but  arming  for  an 
ambushment.  On  the  wall  there  stood  to  guard  it  their  dear 
wives  and  infant  children,  and  with  these  the  old  men ; but 
the  rest  went  forth,  and  their  leaders  were  Ares  and  Pallas 
Athene,  both  wrought  in  gold,  and  golden  was  the  vesture 
they  had  on.  Goodly  and  great  were  they  in  their  armour, 
even  as  gods,  far  seen  around,  and  the  folk  at  their  feet  were 
smaller.  And  when  they  came  where  i*t  seemed  good  to  them 
to  lay  ambush,  in  a river  bed  where  there  was  a common 
watering-place  of  herds,  there  they  set  them,  clad  in  glitter- 
ing bronze.  And  two  scouts  were  posted  by  them  afar  off  to 
spy  the  coming  of  flocks  and  of  oxen  with  crooked  horns. 
And  presently  came  the  cattle,  and  with  them  two  herdsmen 
playing  on  pipes,  that  took  no  thought  of  the  guile.  Then 
the  others  when  they  beheld  these  ran  upon  them  and  quickly 
cut  off  the  herds  of  oxen  and  fair  flocks  of  white  sheep, 
and  slew  the  shepherds  withal.  But  the  besiegers,  as  they 
sat  before  the  speech-places"  and  heard  much  din  among  the 
oxen,  mounted  forthwith  behind  their  high-stepping  horses, 
and  came  up  with  speed.  Then  they  arrayed  their  battle 
and  fought  beside  the  river  banks,  and  smote  one  another 
with  bronze-shod  spears.  And  among  them  mingled  Strife 
and  Tumult,  and  fell  Death,  grasping  one  man  alive  fresh- 
wounded,  another  without  wound,  and  dragging  another 
dead  through  the  mellay  by  the  feet ; and  the  raiment  on 
her  shoulders  was  red  with  the  blood  of  men.  Like  living 
mortals  they  hurled  together  and  fought,  and  haled  the 
corpses  each  of  the  other’s  slain. 

Furthermore  he  set  in  the  shield  a soft  fresh-ploughed 

1 This  must  be  the  meaning  in  xxii.  120-121,  where  the  same  words 
axe  repeated.  But  here  it  might  also  be  “share  all  (exactly)  between 
the  two  armies”  (forbidding  promiscuous  plunder). 

* From  which  the  orators  spo&e.  (Aristarcbos.) 


ILIAD  XVIII,  542-572 


383 


field,  rich  tilth  and  wide,  the  third  time  ploughed ; and 
many  ploughers  therein  drave  their  yokes  to  and  fro  as 
they  wheeled  about.  Whensoever  they  came  to  the  bound- 
ary of  the  field  and  turned,  then  would  a man  come  to  each 
and  give  into  his  hands  a goblet  of  sweet  wine,  while  others 
would  be  turning  back  along  the  furrows,  fain  to  reach  the 
boundary  of  the  deep  tilth.  And  the  field  grew  black  be- 
hind and  seemed  as  it  were  a-ploughing,  albeit  of  gold,  for 
this  was  the  great  marvel  of  the  work. 

Furthermore  he  set  therein  the  demesne-land  of  a king, 
where  hinds  were  reaping  with  sharp  sickles  in  their  hands. 
Some  armfuls  along  the  swathe  were  falling  in  rows  to  the 
earth,  whilst  others  the  sheaf-binders  were  binding  in 
twisted  bands  of  straw.  Three  sheaf-binders  stood  over 
them,  while  behind  boys  gathering  corn  and  bearing  it  in 
their  arms  gave  it  constantly  to  the  binders ; and  among 
them  the  king  in  silence  was  standing  at  the  swathe  with  his 
staff,  rejoicing  in  his  heart.  And  henchmen  apart  beneath 
an  oak  were  making  ready  a feast,  and  preparing  a great  ox 
they  had  sacrificed ; while  the  women  were  strewing  much 
white  barley  to  be  a supper  for  the  hinds. 

Also  he  set  therein  a vineyard  teeming  plenteously  with 
clusters,  wrought  fair  in  gold  ; black  were  the  grapes,  but  the 
vines  hung  throughout  on  silver  poles.  And  around  it  he 
ran  a ditch  of  cyanus,  and  round  that  a fence  of  tin ; and 
one  single  pathway  led  to  it,  whereby  the  vintagers  might 
go  when  they  should  gather  the  vintage.  And  maidens  and 
striplings  in  childish  glee  bare  the  sweet  fruit  in  plaited  baskets. 
And  in  the  midst  of  them  a boy  made  pleasant  music  on  a 
clear-toned  viol,  and  sang  thereto  a sweet  Linos-song1  with 
delicate  voice ; while  the  rest  with  feet  falling  together  kept 
ime  with  the  music  and  song. 

1 Probably  a lament  for  departing  summet. 


3^4 


ILIAD  XVIII,  573-607 


Also  he  wrought  therein  a herd  of  kine  with  upright 
horns,  and  the  kine  were  fashioned  of  gold  and  tin,  and  with 
lowing  they  hurried  from  the  byre  to  pasture  beside  a mur- 
muring river,  beside  the  waving  reed.  And  herdsmen  of 
gold  were  following  with  the  kine,  four  of  them,  and  nine 
dogs  fleet  of  foot  came  after  them.  But  two  terrible  lions 
among  the  foremost  kine  had  seized  a loud-roaring  bull  that 
bellowed  mightily  as  they  haled  him,  and  the  dogs  and 
the  young  men  sped  after  him.  The  lions  rending  the  great 
bull’s  hide  were  devouring  his  vitals  and  his  black  blood; 
while  the  herdsmen  in  vain  tarred  on  their  fleet  dogs  to  set 
on,  for  they  shrank  from  biting  the  lions  but  stood  hard  by 
and  barked  and  swerved  away. 

Also  the  glorious  lame  god  wrought  therein  a pasture  in 
a fair  glen,  a great  pasture  of  white  sheep,  and  a steading, 
and  roofed  huts,  and  folds. 

Also  did  the  glorious  lame  god  devise  a dancing-place 
like  unto  that  which  once  in  wide  Knosos  Daidalos  wrought 
for  Ariadne  of  the  lovely  tresses.  There  were  youths  danc- 
ing and  maidens  of  costly  wooing,  their  hands  upon  one 
another’s  wrists.  Fine  linen  the  maidens  had  on,  and  the 
youths  well-woven  doublets  faintly  glistening  with  oiL  Fair 
wreaths  had  the  maidens,  and  the  youths  daggers  of  gold 
hanging  from  silver  baldrics.  And  now  would  they  run 
round  with  deft  feet  exceeding  lightly,  as  when  a potter 
sitting  by  his  wheel  that  fitteth  between  his  hands  maketh 
trial  of  it  whether  it  run  : and  now  anon  they  would  run  in 
lines  to  meet  each  other.  And  a great  company  stood 
round  the  lovely  dance  in  joy ; [and  among  them  a divine 
minstrel  was  making  music  on  his  lyre,]  and  through 
the  midst  of  them,  leading  the  measure,  two  tumblers 
whirled. 

Also  he  set  therein  the  great  might  of  the  River  of 


ILIAD  XVIII,  607-617  . 385 

Ocean  around  the  uttermost  rim  of  the  cunningly-fashioned 

shield. 

Now  when  he  had  wrought  the  shield  great  and  strong, 
then  wrought  he  him  a corslet  brighter  than  a flame  of  fire, 
and  he  wrought  him  a massive  helmet  to  fit  his  brows, 
goodly  and  graven,  and  set  thereon  a crest  of  gold,  and  he 
wrought  him  greaves  of  pliant  tin. 

So  when  the  renowned  lame  god  had  finished  all  the 
armour,  he  took  and  laid  it  before  the  mother  of  Achilles. 
Then  she  like  a falcon  sprang  down  from  snowy  Olympus, 
bearing  from  Hephaistos  the  glittering  arms. 


BOOK  XIX. 


How  Achilles  and  Agamemnon  were  reconciled  before  the  assembly  ol 
the  Achaians,  and  Achilles  went  forth  with  them  to  battle. 

Now  Morning  saffron-robed  arose  from  the  streams  of  Ocean 
to  bring  light  to  gods  and  men,  and  Thetis  came  to  the 
ships,  bearing  his  gift  from  the  god.  Her  dear  son  she 
found  fallen  about  Patroklos  and  uttering  loud  lament ; and 
round  him  many  of  his  company  made  moan.  And  the 
bright  goddess  stood  beside  him  in  their  midst,  and  clasped 
her  hand  in  his  and  spake  and  called  upon  his  name : “ My 
child,  him  who  lieth  here  we  must  let  be,  for  all  our  pain, 
for  by  the  will  of  gods  from  the  beginning  was  he  brought 
low.  But  thou  take  from  Hephaistos  arms  of  pride,  arms 
passing  goodly,  such  as  no  man  on  his  shoulders  yet  hath 
borne.” 

Thus  spake  the  goddess  and  in  front  of  Achilles  laid  the 
arms,  and  they  rang  all  again  in  their  glory.  And  awe  fell 
on  all  the  Myrmidons,  nor  dared  any  to  gaze  thereon,  for 
they  were  awe-stricken.  But  when  Achilles  looked  thereon, 
then  came  fury  upon  him  the  more,  and  his  eyes  blazed  ter- 
ribly forth  as  it  were  a flame  beneath  their  lids : glad  was 
he  as  he  held  in  his  hands  that  splendid  gift  of  a god  But 
when  he  had  satisfied  his  soul  in  gazing  on  the  glory  of  the 
arms,  straightway  to  his  mother  spake  he  winged  words : 
“ My  mother,  the  arms  the  god  has  given  are  such  as  it  be- 


ILIAD  XIX,  21-55 


387 


eemeth  that  the  work  of  Immortals  should  be,  and  that  no 
nortal  man  should  have  wrought  Now  therefore  will  I arm 
ne  in  them,  but  I have  grievous  fear  lest  meantime  on  the 
;ashed  wounds  of  Menoitios’  valiant  son  flies  light  and  breed 
rorms  therein,  and  defile  his  corpse — for  the  life  is  slain  out 
>f  him — and  so  all  his  flesh  shall  rot.” 

Then  answered  him  Thetis,  goddess  of  the  silver  feet : 
‘Child,  have  no  care  for  this  within  thy  mind.  I will  see 
o ward  from  him  the  cruel  tribes  of  flies  which  prey  on  men 
lain  in  fight : for  even  though  he  lie  till  a whole  year’s 
:ourse  be  run,  yet  his  flesh  shall  be  sound  continually,  or 
>etter  even  than  now.  But  call  thou  the  Achaian  warriors 
o the  place  of  assembly,  and  unsay  thy  wrath  against  Aga- 
nemnon  shepherd  of  the  host,  and  then  arm  swiftly  for 
jattle,  and  clothe  thee  with  thy  strength.” 

Thus  saying  she  filled  him  with  adventurous  might, 
vhile  on  Patroklos  she  shed  ambrosia  and  red  nectar  through 
lis  nostrils,  that  his  flesh  might  abide  the  same  continually. 

But  noble  Achilles  went  down  the  beach  of  the  sea, 
:rying  his  terrible  cry,  and  roused  the  Achaian  warriors. 
\nd  they  who  before  were  wont  to  abide  in  the  circle  of  the 
Lips,  and  they  who  were  helmsmen  and  kept  the  steerage  of 
he  ships,  orwere  stewards  there  and  dealt  out  food,  even  these 
:ame  then  to  the  place  of  assembly,  because  Achilles  was 
:ome  forth,  after  long  ceasing  from  grievous  war.  Limping 
ame  two  of  Ares’  company,  Tydeus’  son  staunch  in  fight  and 
loble  Odysseus,  each  leaning  on  his  spear,  for  their  wounds 
vere  grievous  still ; and  they  went  and  sate  them  down  in 
he  forefront  of  the  assembly.  And  last  came  Agamemnon 
dng  of  men,  with  his  wound  upon  him,  for  him  too  in  the 
tress  of  battle  Koon  Antenor’s  son  had  wounded  with  his 
)ronze- tipped  spear.  But  when  all  the  Achaians  were 
gathered,  then  uprose  fleet-footed  Achilles  and  spalke  in 


388  ILIAD  XIX,  56-87 

their  midst : “ Son  of  Atreus,  was  this  in  any  wise  the  bette 
way  for  both  thee  and  me,  what  time  with  grief  at  ou> 
hearts  we  waxed  fierce  in  soul-devouring  strife  for  the  sak< 
of  a girl?  Would  that  Artemis  had  slain  her  with  hei 
arrow  at  the  ships,  on  the  day  whereon  I took  her  to  me. 
when  I had  spoiled  Lymessos ; so  should  not  then  so  manj 
Achaians  have  bitten  the  wide  earth  beneath  their  enemies 
hands,  by  reason  of  my  exceeding  wrath.  It  hath  beer 
well  for  Hector  and  the  Trojans,  but  the  Achaians  I think 
shall  long  remember  the  strife  that  was  betwixt  thee  and  me. 
But  bygones  will  we  let  be,  for  all  our  pain,  and  curb  under 
necessity  the  spirit  within  our  breasts.  I now  will  stay  my 
anger : it  beseems  me  not  implacably  for  ever  to  be  wroth  ; 
but  come  rouse  speedily  to  the  fight  the  flowing-haired 
Achaians,  that  I may  go  forth  against  the  men  of  Troy  and 
put  them  yet  again  to  the  proof,  if  they  be  fain  to  couch  hard 
by  the  ships.  Methinks  that  some  among  them  shall  be 
glad  to  rest  their  knees  when  they  are  fled  out  of  the  fierce- 
ness of  the  battle,  and  from  before  our  spear.” 

He  spake,  and  the  well-greaved  Achaians  rejoiced  that 
the  great-hearted  son  of  Peleus  had  made  renouncement  of 
his  wrath.  Then  among  them  spake  Agamemnon  king  of 
men,  speaking  from  the  place  where  he  sat,  not  arisen  to 
stand  forth  in  their  midst : “ O Danaan  friends  and  heroes, 
men  of  Ares’  company,  seemly  is  it  to  listen  to  him  who 
standeth  up  to  speak,  nor  behoveth  it  to  break  in  upon  his 
words : even  toward  a skilled  man  that  were  hard.  For 
amid  the  uproar  of  manf  men  how  should  one  listen,  or  yet 
speak?  even  the  clearest- voiced  speech  is  marred.  To  the 
son  of  Peleus  I will  declare  myself,  but  ye  other  Argives  give 
heed,  and  each  mark  well  my  word.  Oft  have  the  Achaians 
spoken  thus  to  me,  and  upbraided  me;  but  it  is  not  I who  am 
the  cause,  but  Zeus  and  Destiny  and  Erinys  that  walketh  in 


ILIAD  XIX,  87-122 


389 


he  darkness,  who  put  into  my  soul  fierce  madness  on  the 
lay  when  in  the  assembly  I,  even  I,  bereft  Achilles  of  his 
need.  What  could  I do  ? it  is  God  who  accomplisheth  all. 
Eldest  daughter  of  Zeus  is  Ate  who  blindeth  all,  a power  of 
jane : delicate  are  her  feet,  for  not  upon  earth  she  goeth, 
out  walketh  over  the  heads  of  men,  making  men  to  fall ; 
ind  entangleth  this  one  or  that.  Yea  even  Zeus  was  blinded 
jpon  a time,  he  who  they  say  is  greatest  among  gods  and 
nen ; yet  even  him  Hera  with  female  wile  deceived,  on  the 
lay  when  Alkmene  in  fair-crowned  Thebes  was  to  bring 
brth  the  strength  of  Herakles.  For  then  proclaimed  he 
solemnly  among  all  the  gods : ‘ Hear  me  ye  all,  both  gods 
ind  goddesses,  while  I utter  the  counsel  of  my  soul  within 
ny  heart.  This  day  shall  Eileithuia,  the  help  of  travailing 
women,  bring  to  the  light  a man  who  shall  be  lord  over  all 
:hat  dwell  round  about,  among  the  race  of  men  who  are 
sprung  of  me  by  blood.’  And  to  him  in  subtlety  queen 
Hera  spake : ‘ Thou  wilt  play  the  cheat  and  not  accomplish 
,hy  word.  Come  now,  Olympian,  swear  me  a firm  oath  that 
verily  and  indeed  shall  that  man  be  lord  over  all  that  dwell 
round  about,  who  this  day  shall  fall  between  a woman’s  feet, 
;ven  he  among  all  men  who  are  of  the  lineage  of  thy  blood.’ 
3o  spake  she,  and  Zeus  no  wise  perceived  her  subtlety,  but 
sware  a mighty  oath,  and  therewith  was  he  sore  blinded.  For 
Hera  darted  from  Olympus’  peak,  and  came  swiftly  to 
Achaian  Argos,  where  she  knew  was  the  stately  wife  of 
Sthenelos  son  of  Perseus,  who  also  was  great  with  child, 
ind  her  seventh  month  was  come.  Her  son  Hera  brought 
:o  the  light,  though  his  tale  of  months  was  untold,  but  she 
stayed  Alkmene’s  bearing  and  kept  the  Eileithuiai  from  her 
lid.  Then  she  brought  the  tidings  herself  and  to  Kronos’ 
son  Zeus  she  spake : ‘ Father  Zeus  of  the  bright  lightning,  a 
word  will  I speak  to  thee  for  thy  heed.  To-day  is  bom  a 


39° 


ILIAD  XIX,  1 2 2-1 5 5 


man  of  valour  who  shall  rule  among  the  Argives,  Eurystheus, 
son  of  Sthenelos  the  son  of  Perseus,  of  thy  lineage ; not 
unmeet  is  it  that  he  be  lord  among  Argives.’  She  said,  but 
sharp  pain  smote  him  in  the  depths  of  his  soul,  and  straight- 
way he  seized  Ate  by  her  bright-haired  head  in  the  anger  ot 
his  soul,  and  sware  a mighty  oath  that  never  again  to 
Olympus  and  the  starry  heaven  should  Ate  come,  who 
blindeth  all  alike.  He  said,  and  whirling  her  in  his  hand 
flung  her  from  the  starry  heaven,  and  quickly  came  she 
down  among  the  works  of  men.  Yet  ever  he  groaned 
against  her  when  he  beheld  his  beloved  son  in  cruel  travail 
at  Eurystheus’  hest.  Thus  also  I,  what  time  great  Hector 
of  the  glancing  helm  was  slaying  Argives  at  the  sterns  of  our 
ships,  could  not  be  unmindful  of  Ate,  who  blinded  me  at 
the  first  But  since  thus  blinded  was  I,  and  Zeus  bereft 
me  of  my  wit,  fain  am  I to  make  amends,  and  recompense 
manifold  for  the  wrong.  Only  arise  thou  to  the  battle  and 
rouse  the  rest  of  the  host.  Gifts  am  I ready  to  offer,  even 
all  that  noble  Odysseus  went  yesterday  to  promise  in  thy  hut. 
So,  if  thou  wilt,  stay  a while,  though  eager,  from  battle,  and 
squires  shall  take  the  gifts  from  my  ship  and  carry  them  to 
thee,  that  thou  mayest  see  that  what  I give  sufficeth  thee.” 

Then  answered  him  Achilles  swift  of  foot : “ Most  noble 
son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon  king  of  men,  for  the  gifts,  to 
give  them  as  it  beseemeth,  if  so  thou  wilt,  or  to  withhold, 
is  in  thy  choice.  But  now  let  us  bethink  us  of  battle  with 
all  speed ; this  is  no  time  to  dally  here  with  subtleties,  for  a 
great  work  is  yet  undone.  Once  more  must  Achilles  be 
seen  in  the  forefront  of  the  battle,  laying  waste  with  his 
brazen  spear  the  battalions  of  the  men  of  Troy.  Thereof 
let  each  of  you  think  as  he  fighteth  with  his  man.” 

Then  Odysseus  of  many  counsels  answered  him  and  said: 
“Nay  yet,  for  all  thy  valour,  godlike  Achilles,  not  against 


ILIAD  XIX,  156-191 


391 


.uos  lead  thou  the  sons  of  Achaians  fasting  to  fight  the 
nen  of  Troy,  since  not  of  short  spell  shall  the  battle  be, 
vhen  once  the  ranks  of  men  are  met,  and  God  shall  breathe 
valour  into  both.  But  bid  the  Achaians  taste  at  the  swift 
ihips  food  and  wine ; for  thence  is  vigour  and  might.  For 
10  man  fasting  from  food  shall  be  able  to  fight  with  the 
oe  all  day  till  the  going  down  of  the  sun ; for  though  his 
spirit  be  eager  for  battle  yet  his  limbs  unaware  grow  weary, 
ind  thirst  besetteth  him,  and  hunger,  and  his  knees  in  his 
joing  fail.  But  the  man  who  having  his  fill  of  food  and 
vine  fighteth  thus  all  day  against  the  enemy,  his  heart  is  of 
jood  cheer  within  him,  nor  anywise  tire  his  limbs,  ere  all 
jive  back  from  the  battle.  So  come,  disperse  the  host  and 
bid  them  make  ready  their  meal.  And  the  gifts  let  Aga- 
nemnon  king  of  men  bring  forth  into  the  midst  of  the 
Assembly,  that  all  Achaians  may  behold  them  with  their 
;yes,  and  thou  be  glad  at  heart.  And  let  him  swear  to  thee 
in  oath,  standing  in  the  midst  of  the  Argives,  that  he  hath 
lever  gone  up  into  the  damsel’s  bed  or  lain  with  her,  [O 
prince,  as  is  the  wont  of  man  with  woman] ; and  let  thine 
iwn  spirit  be  placable  within  thy  breast.  Then  let  him 
make  thee  a rich  feast  of  reconcilement  in  his  hut,  that  thou 
have  nothing  lacking  of  thy  right.  And  thou,  son  of  Atreus, 
toward  others  also  shalt  be  more  righteous  hereafter ; for  no 
shame  it  is  that  a man  that  is  a king  should  make  amends  if 
he  have  been  the  first  to  deal  violently.” 

Then  to  him  spake  Agamemnon  king  of  men  : “ Son  of 
Laertes,  I rejoice  to  listen  to  thy  speech ; for  rightfully  hast 
thou  told  over  alL  And  the  oath  I am  willing  to  swear,  yea 
my  heart  biddeth  it,  nor  will  I forswear  myself  before  God. 
Let  Achilles  abide  for  a space,  eager  for  battle  though  he 
be,  and  all  ye  others  abide  together,  until  the  gifts  come 
forth  from  my  hut,  and  we  make  faithful  oath  with  sacrifice. 


392 


ILIAD  XIX,  192-225 

But  thee  thyself  I thus  charge  and  bid.  Choose  thee  young 
men,  princes  of  the  Achaian  folk,  and  bear  my  gifts  from  my 
ship,  even  all  that  we  promised  yesterday  to  Achilles,  and  take 
with  thee  the  women.  And  let  Talthybios  speedily  make 
me  ready  a boar-swine  in  the  midst  of  the  wide  Achaian  host, 
to  sacrifice  to  Zeus  and  to  the  Sun.” 

And  to  him  in  answer  swift -footed  Achilles  spake: 
“ Most  noble  son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon  king  of  men,  at 
some  other  time  were  it  even  better  ye  should  be  busied 
thus,  when  haply  there  shall  be  some  pause  of  war,  and  the 
spirit  within  my  breast  shall  be  less  fierce.  But  now  they 
lie  mangled  on  the  field — even  they  whom  Hector  son  of 
Priam  slew,  when  Zeus  gave  him  glory — and  ye  call  men  to. 
their  food.  Verily  for  my  part  I would  bid  the  sons  of  the 
Achaians  to  fight  now  unfed  and  fasting,  and  with  the  set- 
ting sun  make  ready  a mighty  meal,  when  we  shall  have 
avenged  the  shame.  Till  then  down  my  throat  at  least  nor 
food  nor  drink  shall  go,  since  my  comrade  is  dead,  who  in 
my  hut  is  lying  mangled  by  the  sharp  spear,  with  his  feet 
toward  the  door,  and  round  him  our  comrades  mourn; 
wherefore  in  my  heart  is  no  thought  of  those  matters,  but  of 
slaying,  and  blood,  and  grievous  moans  of  men.” 

Then  answered  him  Odysseus  of  many  counsels : “ 0 
Achilles,  Peleus’  son,  mightiest  of  Achaians  far,  better  and 
mightier  not  a little  art  thou  than  I with  the  spear,  but  in 
counsel  I may  surpass  thee  greatly,  since  I was  bom  first  and 
know  more  things  : wherefore  let  thy  heart  endure  to  listen 
to  my  speech.  Quickly  have  men  surfeit  of  battle,  of 
that  wherein  the  sword  streweth  most  straw  yet  is  the 
harvest  scantiest,1  when  Zeus  inclineth  his  balance,  who 
is  disposer  of  the  wars  of  men.  But  it  cannot  be  that  the 

1 i.e.  in  a pitched  battle  there  is  little  plunder,  the  hope  of  which 
might  help  to  sustain  men’s  efforts  in  storming  a town. 


ILIAD  XIX,  225-260 


393 


Achaians  fast  to  mourn  a corpse ; for  exceeding  many  and 
thick  fall  such  on  every  day;  when  then  should  there  be 
rest  from  toil  ? Nay,  it  behoveth  to  bury  him  who  is  dead, 
i steeling  our  hearts,  when  once  we  have  wept  him  for  a day ; 
but  such  as  are  left  alive  from  hateful  war  must  take  thought 
of  meat  and  drink,  that  yet  more  against  our  foes  we  may 
fight  relentlessly  ever,  clad  in  unyielding  bronze.  Then  let 
none  of  the  host  hold  back  awaiting  other  summons ; this 
is  the  summons,  and  ill  shall  it  be  for  whoso  is  left  behind 
at  the  Argive  ships  ; but  all  together  as  one  we  will  rouse 
against  the  horse-taming  Trojans  the  fury  of  war.” 

He  spoke,  and  took  with  him  the  sons  of  noble  Nestor,  and 
Meges  son  of  Phyleus,  and  Thoas,  and  Meriones,  and  Lyko- 
medes  son  of  Kreiontes,  and  Melanippos.  And  they  went  on 
their  way  to  the  hut  of  Agamemnon,  Atreus’  son.  Forth- 
with as  the  word  was  spoken  so  was  the  deed  done.  Seven 
tripods  they  bare  from  the  hut,  as  he  promised  him,  and 
twenty  bright  caldrons,  and  twelve  horses,  and  anon  they 
led  forth  women  skilled  in  goodly  arts,  seven,  and  the  eighth 
■ was  fair-faced  Briseis.  Then  Odysseus,  having  weighed  ten 
. talents  of  gold  in  all,  led  the  way,  and  with  him  young  men 
of  the  Achaians  bare  the  gifts.  These  they  set  in  the  midst 
of  the  place  of  assembly,  and  Agamemnon  rose  up,  and 
beside  that  shepherd  of  the  host  stood  Talthybios,  whose 
voice  was  like  a god’s,  and  held  a boar  between  his  hands. 
And  the  son  of  Atreus  drawing  with  his  hands  his  knife, 
which  ever  hung  beside  the  mighty  scabbard  of  his  sword, 
cut  off  the  first  hairs  from  the  boar,  and  lifting  up  his  hands 
he  prayed  to  Zeus,  and  all  the  Argives  sat  silent  in  their 
I places,  duly  hearkening  to  the  king.  And  he  prayed  aloud, 
looking  up  to  the  wide  heaven  : “ Be  Zeus  before  all  witness, 
highest  and  best  of  gods,  and  Earth,  and  Sun,  and  Erinyes, 
who  under  earth  take  vengeance  upon  men,  whosoever  for- 


394 


ILIAD  XIX,  260-294 


sweareth  himself,  that  never  have  I laid  hand  on  the  damsel 
Briseis,  neither  to  lie  with  her  nor  anywise  else,  but  she  has 
abode  untouched  within  my  huts.  And  if  aught  that  I swear 
be  false,  may  the  gods  give  me  all  sorrows  manifold,  that 
they  send  on  him  who  sinneth  against  them  in  his  oath.” 

He  said,  and  cut  the  boar’s  throat  with  the  pitiless  knife. 
And  the  body  Talthybios  whirled  and  threw  into  the  great 
wash  of  the  hoary  sea,  to  be  the  food  of  fishes ; but  Achilles 
arose  up  and  spake  in  the  midst  of  the  warrior  Argives : 1 
“ Father  Zeus,  sore  madness  dealest  thou  verily  to  men. 
Never  could  the  son  of  Atreus  have  stirred  the  soul  within 
my  breast,  nor  led  off  the  damsel  implacably  against  my 
will,  had  not  Zeus  willed  that  on  many  of  the  Achaians  death 
should  come.  But  now  go  forth  to  your  meal,  that  we  may 
join  battle  thereupon.” 

Thus  he  spake  and  dispersed  the  assembly  with  all  speed 
The  rest  were  scattered  each  to  his  own  ship,  but  the  great" 
hearted  Myrmidons  took  up  the  gifts,  and  bare  them  to  the 
ship  of  godlike  Achilles.  And  they  laid  them  in  the  huts 
and  set  the  women  there,  and  gallant  squires  drave  the 
horses  among  their  troop. 

But  Briseis  that  was  like  unto  golden  Aphrodite,  when 
she  beheld  Patroklos  mangled  by  the  keen  spear,  fell  about 
him  and  made  shrill  lament,  and  tore  with  her  hands  her 
breast  and  tender  neck,  and  beautiful  face.  And  she  spake 
amid  her  weeping,  that  woman  like  unto  goddesses : 
“Patroklos,  dearest  to  my  hapless  heart,  alive  I left  thee 
when  I left  this  hut,  but  now,  O prince  of  the  people,  I am 
come  back  to  find  thee  dead ; thus  evil  ever  followeth  evil 
in  my  lot  My  husband,  unto  whom  my  father  and  lady 
mother  gave  me,  I beheld  before  our  city  mangled  with  the 
keen  spear,  and  my  three  brothers  whom  my  own  mother 
bore,  my  near  and  dear,  who  all  met  their  day  of  doom 


ILIAD  XIX,  295-327 


395 


But  thou,  when  swift  Achilles  slew  my  husband  and  wasted 
godlike  Mynes’  city,  wouldst  ever  that  I should  not  even 
weep,  and  saidest  that  thou  wouldst  make  me  godlike  Achilles’ 
wedded  wife,  and  that  ye  would  take  me  in  your  ships  to 
Phthia  and  make  me  a marriage  feast  among  the  Myrmidons. 
Therefore  with  all  my  soul  I mourn  thy  death,  for  thou  wert 
ever  kind.” 

Thus  spake  she  weeping,  and  thereon  the  women  wailed, 
in  semblance  for  Patroklos,  but  each  for  her  own  woe.  But 
round  Achilles  gathered  the  elders  of  the  Achaians,  praying 
him  that  he  would  eat ; but  he  denied  them  with  a groan : 
“ I pray  you,  if  any  kind  comrade  will  hearken  to  me,  bid  me 
not  sate  my  heart  with  meat  and  drink,  since  terrible  grief 
is  come  upon  me.  Till  the  sun  go  down  I will  abide,  and 
endure  continually  until  then.” 

He  spoke,  and  his  speech  made  the  other  chiefs  depart, 
but  the  two  sons  of  Atreus  stayed,  and  noble  Odysseus,  and 
Nestor  and  Idomeneus  and  Phoinix,  ancient  knight,  sooth- 
ing him  in  his  exceeding  sorrow,  but  he  could  no  whit  be 
soothed  until  he  had  entered  the  mouth  of  bloody  war.  And 
bethinking  him  he  sighed  very  heavily  and  spake  aloud : 
“Thou  too,  O hapless,  dearest  of  my  friends,  thyself 
wouldst  verily  of  yore  set  forth  in  our  hut  with  ready  speed 
a savoury  meal,  what  time  the  Achaians  hasted  to  wage 
against  the  horse-taming  Trojans  dolorous  war.  But  now 
thou  liest  mangled,  and  my  heart  will  none  of  meat  and 
drink,  that  stand  within,  for  desire  of  thee.  Nought  worse 
than  this  could  I endure,  not  though  I should  hear  of  my 
father’s  death,  who  now  I ween  in  Phthia  is  shedding  big 
tears  for  lack  of  a son  so  dear,  even  me  that  in  an  alien 
land  for  sake  of  baleful  Helen  do  battle  with  the  men  of 
Troy ; nor  though  it  were  my  beloved  son  who  is  reared  for 
me  in  Skyros  (if  still  at  least  is  godlike  Neoptolemos  alive). 


I 


396 


ILIAD  XIX,  328-363 


For  hitherto  had  my  soul  within  me  trusted  that  I alone 
should  perish  far  from  horse-pasturing  Argos,  here  in  the 
Trojan  land,  but  that  thou  shouldst  return  to  Phthia,  so  that 
thou  mightest  take  me  the  child  in  thy  swift  black  ship  from 
Skyros  and  show  him  everything — my  substance  and  ser- 
vants, and  high-roofed  mighty  halL  For  Peleus  I ween 
already  must  be  dead  and  gone,  or  else  in  feeble  life  he  hath 
sorrow  of  hateful  age,  and  of  waiting  ever  for  bitter  news  of 
me,  till  he  hear  that  I am  dead.” 

Thus  spake  he  weeping,  and  the  elders  mourned  with 
him,  bethinking  them  what  each  had  left  at  home.  And 
when  the  son  of  Kronos  beheld  them  sorrowing  he  pitied 
them,  and  forthwith  to  Athene  spake  he  winged  words : 
“ My  child,  thou  hast  then  left  utterly  the  man  of  thy  heart. 
Hath  Achilles  then  no  longer  a place  within  thy  thought  ? 
He  before  the  steep-prowed  ships  sits  mourning  his  dear 
comrade ; the  rest  are  gone  to  their  meal,  but  he  is  fasting 
and  unfed.  But  go,  distil  into  his  breast  nectar  and  pleasant 
ambrosia,  that  no  pains  of  hunger  come  on  him.” 

Thus  saying  he  sped  forward  Athene  who  before  was 
fain.  And  she,  like  a falcon  wide- winged  and  shrill- voiced, 
hurled  herself  forth  from  heaven  through  the  upper  air.  So 
while  the  Achaians  were  arming  presently  throughout  the 
camp,  she  in  Achilles’  breast  distilled  nectar  and  pleasant 
ambrosia,  that  grievous  hunger  might  not  assail  his  knees, 
and  then  herself  was  gone  to  the  firm  house  of  her  mighty 
father.  Then  the  Achaians  poured  forth  from  the  swift 
ships.  As  when  thick  snowflakes  flutter  down  from  Zeus, 
chill  beneath  the  blast  of  Boreas  born  in  the  upper  air,  so 
thick  from  the  ships  streamed  forth  bright  glittering  helms 
and  bossy  shields,  strong-plated  cuirasses  and  ashen  spears. 
And  the  sheen  thereof  went  up  to  heaven  and  all  the  earth 
around  laughed  in  the  flash  of  bronze,  and  there  went  a 


ILIAD  XIX,  363-396 


397 


sound  beneath  the  feet  of  the  men,  and  in  the  midst  of  them 
noble  Achilles  harnessed  him.  His  teeth  gnashed  together, 
and  his  eyes  blazed  as  it  were  the  flame  of  a fire,  for  into 
his  heart  was  intolerable  anguish  entered  in.  Thus  wroth 
against  the  men  of  Troy  he  put  on  the  gift  of  the  god,  which 
Hephaistos  wrought  him  by  his  art.  First  on  his  legs  he  set 
the  fair  greaves  fitted  with  silver  ankle-pieces,  and  next  he 
donned  the  cuirass  about  his  breast.  Then  round  his 
shoulders  he  slung  the  bronze  sword  silver-studded ; then 
lastly  he  took  the  great  and  strong  shield,  and  its  brightness 
shone  afar  off  as  the  moon’s.  Or  as  when  over  the  sea 
there  appeareth  to  sailors  the  brightness  of  a burning  fire, 
and  it  burneth  on  high  among  the  mountains  in  some  lonely 
steading — sailors  whom  storm-blasts  bear  unwilling  over 
the  sea,  the  home  of  fishes,  afar  from  them  they  love : — 
so  from  Achilles’  goodly  well-dight  shield  the  brightness 
thereof  shot  up  toward  heaven.  And  he  lifted  the  stout 
helmet  and  set  it  on  his  head,  and  like  a star  it  shone,  the 
horse-hair  crested  helmet,  and  around  it  waved  plumes  of 
gold  that  Hephaistos  had  set  thick  about  the  crest.  Then 
noble  Achilles  proved  him  in  his  armour  to  know  whether 
it  fitted  unto  him,  and  whether  his  glorious  limbs  ran  free ; 
and  it  became  to  him  as  it  were  wings,  and  buoyed  up  the 
shepherd  of  hosts. 

And  forth  from  its  stand  he  drew  his  father’s  spear, 
heavy  and  great  and  strong  : that  spear  could  none  other  of 
the  Achaians  wield,  but  Achilles  alone  awaited  to  wield  it, 
the  Pelian  ashen  spear  that  Cheiron  gave  to  his  father  dear, 
from  a peak  of  Pelion,  to  be  the  death  of  warriors.  And 
Automedon  and  Alkimos  went  about  to  yoke  the  horses,  and 
put  on  them  fair  breast-straps,  and  bits  within  their  jaws,  and 
stretched  the  reins  behind  to  the  firm-built  chariot.  Then 
Automedon  took  the  bright  lash,  fitted  to  his  hand,  and 


39s 


ILIAD  XIX,  397-424 


sprang  up  behind  the  horses,  and  after  him  mounted  Achilles 
armed,  effulgent  in  his  armour  like  bright  Hyperion.  And 
terribly  he  called  upon  the  horses  of  his  sire : “ Xanthos 
and  Balios,  famed  children  of  Podarge,  in  other  sort  take 
heed  to  bring  your  charioteer  safe  back  to  the  Danaan  host, 
when  we  have  done  with  battle,  and  leave  him  not  as  ye 
left  Patroklos  to  lie  there  dead.” 

Then  the  horse  Xanthos  of  glancing  feet  made  answer 
unto  him  from  beneath  the  yoke ; — and  he  bowed  with  his 
head,  and  all  his  mane  fell  from  the  yoke-cushion  beside 
the  yoke  and  touched  the  ground ; — for  the  white-armed 
goddess  Hera  gave  him  speech  : “ Yea  verily  for  this  hour, 
dread  Achilles,  we  will  still  bear  thee  safe,  yet  is  thy  death- 
day  nigh  at  hand,  neither  shall  we  be  cause  thereof,  but  a 
mighty  god,  and  forceful  Fate.  For  not  through  sloth  or 
heedlessness  of  ours  did  the  men  of  Troy  from  Patroklos’ 
shoulders  strip  his  arms,  but  the  best  of  the  gods,  whom 
bright-haired  Leto  bore,  slew  him  in  the  forefront  of  the 
battle,  and  to  Hector  gave  renown.  We  even  with  the 
wind  of  Zephyr,  swiftest,  they  say,  of  all  winds,  well  might 
run ; nathless  to  thee  thyself  it  is  appointed  to  be  slain  in 
fight  by  a god  and  by  a man.” 

Now  when  he  had  thus  spoken  the  Erinyes  stayed  his 
voice.  And  sore  troubled  did  fleet-footed  Achilles  answer 
him : “ Xanthos,  why  prophesiest  thou  my  death  ? no  wise 
behoveth  it  thee.  Well  know  I of  myself  that  it  is  appointed 
me  to  perish  here,  far  from  my  father  dear  and  mother; 
howbeit  anywise  I will  not  refrain  till  I give  the  Trojans 
surfeit  of  war.” 

He  said,  and  with  a cry  among  the  foremost  held  on  his 
whole-hooved  steeds. 


BOOK  XX. 


How  Achilles  made  havoc  among  the  men  of  Troy. 

So  by  the  beaked  ships  around  thee,  son  of  Peleus,  hungry 
for  war,  the  Achaians  armed  ; and  over  against  them  the 
men  of  Troy,  upon  the  high  ground  of  the  plain. 

But  Zeus  bade  Themis  call  the  gods  to  council  from 
many-folded  Olympus’  brow ; and  she  ranged  all  about  and 
bade  them  to  the  house  of  Zeus.  There  was  no  River  came 
not  up,  save  only  Ocean,  nor  any  nymph,  of  all  that  haunt 
fair  thickets  and  springs  of  rivers  and  grassy  water-meadows. 
And  they  came  to  the  house  of  Zeus  who  gathereth  the 
clouds,  and  sat  them  down  in  the  polished  colonnades  which 
Hephaistos  in  the  cunning  of  his  heart  had  wrought  for 
father  Zeus. 

Thus  gathered  they  within  the  doors  of  Zeus ; nor  was 
the  Earthshaker  heedless  of  the  goddess’  call,  but  from  the 
salt  sea  came  up  after  the  rest,  and  set  him  in  the  midst,  and 
inquired  concerning  the  purpose  of  Zeus : “ Wherefore,  O 
Lord  of  the  bright  lightning,  hast  thou  called  the  gods  again 
to  council  ? Say,  ponderest  thou  somewhat  concerning  the 
Trojans  and  Achaians  ? for  lo,  the  war  and  the  fighting  of 
them  are  kindled  very  nigh.” 

And  Zeus,  who  gathereth  the  clouds  answered  him,  saying : 
“Thou  knowest,  O Earthshaker,  the  purpose  within  my 
breast,  wherefor  I gathered  you  hither ; even  in  their  perish- 


i|.00 


ILIAD  XX,  21-52 


ing  have  I regard  unto  them.  But  for  me  I will  abide  here, 
sitting  within  a fold  of  Olympus,  where  I will  gladden  my 
heart  with  gazing ; but  go  all  ye  forth  that  ye  come  among 
the  Trojans  and  Achaians  and  succour  these  or  those,  how- 
soever each  of  you  hath  a mind.  For  if  Achilles  alone  shall 
fight  against  the  Trojans,  not  even  a little  while  shall  they 
hold  back  the  son  of  Peleus,  the  fleet  of  foot  Nay,  but 
even  aforetime  they  trembled  when  they  looked  upon  him ; 
now  therefore  that  his  wrath  for  his  friend  is  waxen  terrible 
I fear  me  lest  he  overleap  the  bound  of  fate,  and  storm  the 
wall.” 

Thus  spake  the  son  of  Kronos,  and  roused  unabating 
war.  For  on  this  side  and  on  that  the  gods  went  forth  to 
war  : to  the  company  of  the  ships  went  Hera,  and  Pallas 
Athene,  and  Poseidon,  Earth  - enfolder,  and  the  Helper 
Hermes,  pre-eminent  in  subtle  thoughts ; and  with  these 
went  Hephaistos  in  the  greatness  of  his  strength,  halting,  but 
his  shrunk  legs  moved  nimbly  under  him  : but  to  the  Trojans 
went  Ares  of  the  glancing  helm,  and  with  him  Phoebus  of 
the  unshorn  hair,  and  archer  Artemis,  and  Leto  and  Xanthos 
and  laughter-loving  Aphrodite. 

Now  for  so  long  as  gods  were  afar  from  mortal  men,  so 
long  waxed  the  Achaians  glorious,  for  that  Achilles  was  come 
forth  among  them,  and  his  long  ceasing  from  grim  battle  was 
at  an  end.  And  the  Trojans  were  smitten  with  sore  trem- 
bling in  the  limbs  of  every  one  of  them,  in  terror  when  they 
beheld  the  son  of  Peleus,  fleet  of  foot,  blazing  in  his  arms, 
peer  of  man-slaying  Ares.  But  when  among  the  mellay  of 
men  the  Olympians  were  come  down,  then  leapt  up  in  her 
might  Strife,  rouser  of  hosts,  then  sent  forth  Athene  a cry, 
now  standing  by  the  hollowed  trench  without  the  wall,  and 
now  on  the  echoing  shores  she  shouted  aloud.  And  a shout 
uttered  Ares  against  her,  terrible  as  the  blackness  of  the 


ILIAD  XX,  52-85 


401 

itorm,  now  from  the  height  of  the  city  to  the  Trojans  calling 
:lear,  or  again  along  Simois  shore  over  Kallikolone  he  sped.1 

So  urged  the  blessed  gods  both  hosts  to  battle,  then 
hemselves  burst  into  fierce  war.  And  terribly  thundered 
he  father  of  gods  and  men  from  heaven  above ; and  from 
jeneath  Poseidon  made  the  vast  earth  shake  and  the  steep 
nountain  tops.  Then  trembled  all  the  spurs  of  many- 
ountained  Ida,  and  all  her  crests,  and  the  city  of  the 
Trojans,  and  the  ships  of  the  Achaians.  And  the  Lord  of 
he  Underworld,  Aidoneus,  had  terror  in  hell,  and  leapt  from 
lis  throne  in  that  terror  and  cried  aloud,  lest  the  world  be 
:loven  above  him  by  Poseidon,  Shaker  of  earth,  and  his 
iwelling-place  be  laid  bare  to  mortals  and  immortals — grim 
lalls,  and  vast,  and  lothly  to  the  gods.  So  loud  the  roar  rose 
)f  that  battle  of  gods.  For  against  King  Poseidon  stood 
Phoebus  Apollo  with  his  winged  arrows,  and  against  Enyalios 
itood  Athene,  bright -eyed  goddess,  and  against  Hera  she  of 
he  golden  shafts  and  echoing  chase,  even  archer  Artemis, 
;ister  of  the  Far-darter ; and  against  Leto  the  strong  Helper 
Hermes,  and  against  Hephaistos  the  great  deep -eddying 
River,  whom  gods  call  Xanthos  and  men  Skamandros. 

Thus  gods  with  gods  were  matched.  Meanwhile  Achilles 
reamed  above  all  to  meet  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  in  the  fray ; 
or  with  that  blood  chiefliest  his  spirit  bade  him  sate  Ares, 
itubborn  lord  of  war.  But  straightway  Apollo,  rouser  of  hosts, 
noved  Aineias  to  go  to  meet  the  son  of  Peleus,  and  filled 
lim  with  brave  spirit : and  he  made  his  own  voice  like  the 
'oice  of  Lykaon  the  son  of  Priam ; in  his  semblance  spake 
kpollo,  son  of  Zeus  : “Aineias,  counsellor  of  Trojans,  where 
low  are  thy  threats  wherewith  thou  didst  boast  to  the  Trojan 
ords  over  thy  wine,  saying  thou  wouldest  stand  up  in  battle 
igainst  Achilles,  Peleus’  son  ? ” 

1 Reading  Btuir. 

2 D 


ILIAD  XX,  86-118 


{<02 

And  to  him  Aineias  answered  and  said : “ Son  of  Priam, 
why  biddest  thou  me  thus  face  the  fierce  son  of  Peleus  in 
battle,  though  I be  not  fain  thereto  ? Not  for  the  first  time 
now  shall  I match  me  with  Achilles,  fleet  of  foot;  once 
before  drave  he  me  with  his  spear  from  Ida,  when  he  harried 
our  kine  and  wasted  Lymessos  and  Pedasos ; but  Zeus 
delivered  me  out  of  his  hand . and  put  strength  into  my 
knees  that  they  were  swift.  Else  had  I fallen  beneath  the 
hands  of  Achilles,  and  of  Athene  who  went  before  and  gave 
him  light,  and  urged  him  to  slay  Leleges  and  Trojans  with 
his  spear  of  bronze.  Therefore  it  is  impossible  for  man  to 
face  Achilles  in  fight,  for  that  ever  some  god  is  at  his  side  to 
ward  off  death.  Ay,  and  at  any  time  his  spear  flieth  straight, 
neither  ceaseth  till  it  have  pierced  through  flesh  of  man. 
But  if  God  once  give  us  fair  field  of  battle,  not  lightly  shall  he 
overcome  me,  not  though  he  boast  him  made  of  bronze 
throughout.”  . ] 

And  to  him  in  answer  spake  Apollo  son  of  Zeus  : “Yea, 
hero,  pray  thou  too  to  the  everliving  gods;  for  thou  too, 
men  say,  wast  born  of  Aphrodite  daughter  of  Zeus,  and 
Achilles’  mother  is  of  less  degree  among  the  gods.  For  thy 
mother  is  child  of  Zeus,  his  but  of  the  Ancient  One  of  the 
Sea.  Come,  bear  up  thy  unwearying  spear  against  him,  let 
him  no  wise  turn  thee  back  with  revilings  and  bitter  words.” 

He  said,  and  breathed  high  spirit  into  the  shepherd  of  the 
host,  and  he  went  onward  through  the  forefront  of  the  fight- 
ing, harnessed  in  flashing  bronze.  But  white-armed  Hera 
failed  not  to  discern  Anchises’  son  as  he  went  through  the 
press  of  men  to  meet  the  son  of  Peleus,  and  gathering  the  gods 
about  her  she  spake  among  them  thus  : “ Consider  ye  twain, 
Poseidon  and  Athene,  within  your  hearts,  what  shall  come  of 
these  things  that  are  done.  Here  is  Aineias  gone  forth  har- 
nessed in  flashing  bronze,  to  meet  the  son  of  Peleus,  and  it 


ILIAD  XX,  118-152 


4 >3 

is  Phoebus  Apollo  that  hath  sent  him.  Come  then,  be  it 
ours  to  turn  him  back  straightway ; or  else  let  some  one  of 
us  stand  likewise  beside  Achilles  and  give  him  mighty  power, 
so  that  he  fail  not  in  his  spirit,  but  know  that  they  who  love 
him  are  the  best  of  the  Immortals,  and  that  they  who  from 
of  old  ward  war  and  fighting  from  the  Trojans  are  vain  as 
wind.  All  we  from  Olympus  are  come  down  to  mingle  in 
this  fight  that  he  take  no  hurt  among  the  Trojans  on  this 
day — afterward  he  shall  suffer  whatsoever  things  Fate  span 
for  him  with  her  thread,  at  his  beginning,  when  his  mother 
bare  him.  If  Achilles  learn  not  this  from  voice  divine,  then 
shall  he  be  afraid  when  some  god  shall  come  against  him  in 
the  battle ; for  gods  revealed  are  hard  to  look  upon.” 

Then  to  her  made  answer  Poseidon,  Shaker  of  the  earth  ; 
“ Hera,  be  not  fierce  beyond  wisdom ; it  behoveth  thee  not. 
Not  fain  am  I at  least  to  match  gods  with  gods  in  strife.1 
Let  us  go  now  into  some  high  place  apart  and  seat  us  there 
to  watch,  and  battle  shall  be  left  to  men.  Only  if  Ares  or 
Phoebus  Apollo  fall  to  fighting,  or  put  constraint  upon 
Achilles  and  hinder  him  from  fight,  then  straightway  among 
us  too  shall  go  up  the  battle-cry  of  strife ; right  soon,  me- 
thinks,  shall  they  hie  them  from  the  issue  of  the  fray  back  to 
Olympus  to  the  company  of  the  gods,  overcome  by  the  force 
of  our  hands.” 

Thus  spake  the  blue-haired  god,  and  led  the  way  to  the 
mounded  wall  of  heaven-sprung  Herakles,  that  lofty  wall  built 
him  by  the  Trojans  and  Pallas  Athene,  that  he  might  escape 
the  monster  alnd  be  safe  from  him,  what  time  he  should 
make  his  onset  from  the  beach  to  the  plain.2  There  sate 
them  down  Poseidon  and  the  other  gods,  and  clothed  their 
shoulders  with  impenetrable  cloud.  And  they  of  the  other 
part  sat  down  on  the  brows  of  Kallikolone  around  thee, 

1 Omitting  line  135.  1 Note  4. 


404 


ILIAD  XX,  152-185 


Archer  Phoebus,  and  Ares  waster  of  cities.  Thus  they  on 
either  side  sat  devising  counsels,  but  shrank  all  from  falling 
to  grievous  war,  and  Zeus  from  his  high  seat  commanded 
them. 

Meanwhile  the  whole  plain  was  filled  with  men  and 
horses,  and  ablaze  with  bronze ; and  the  earth  rang  with  the 
feet  of  them  as  they  rushed  together  in  the  fray.  Two  men 
far  better  than  the  rest  were  meeting  in  the  midst  between 
the  hosts,  eager  for  battle,  Aineias,  Anchises’  son,  and  noble 
Achilles.  First  came  on  Aineias  threateningly,  tossing  his 
strong  helm ; his  rapid  shield  he  held  before  his  breast,  and 
brandished  his  bronze  spear.  And  on  the  other  side  the 
son  of  Peleus  rushed  to  meet  him,  like  a lion,  a ravaging 
lion  whom  men  desire  to  slay,  a whole  tribe  assembled : and 
first  he  goeth  his  way  unheeding,  but  when  some  warrior 
youth  hath  smitten  him  with  a spear,  then  he  gathereth  him- 
self open-mouthed,  and  foam  cometh  forth  about  his  teeth, 
and  his  stout  spirit  groaneth  in  his  heart,  and  with  his  tail 
he  scourgeth  either  side  his  ribs  and  flanks  and  goadeth 
himself  on  to  fight,  and  glaring  is  borne  straight  on  them  by 
his  passion,  to  try  whether  he  shall  slay  some  man  of  them, 
or  whether  himself  shall  perish  in  the  forefront  of  the  throng : 
thus  was  Achilles  driven  of  his  passion  and  valiant  spirit  to 
go  forth  to  meet  Aineias  great  of  heart  And  when  they 
were  come  near  against  each  other,  then  first  to  Aineias 
spake  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles  : “Aineias,  wherefore  hast 
thou  so  far  come  forward  from  the  crowd  to  stand  against 
me  : doth  thy  heart  bid  thee  fight  with  me  in  hope  of  hold- 
ing Priam’s  honour  and  lordship  among  the  horse-taming 
Trojans  ? Nay,  though  thou  slay  me,  not  for  that  will  Priam 
lay  his  kingdom  in  thy  hands,  for  he  hath  sons,  and  is  sound 
and  of  unshaken  mind.  Or  have  the  Trojans  allotted  thee 
some  lot  of  ground  more  choice  than  all  the  rest,  fair  land 


4°5 


ILIAD  XX,  185-221 

of  tilth  and  orchard,  that  thou  mayest  dwell  therein,  if  thou 
slay  me  ? But  methinks  thou  wilt  find  the  slaying  hard ; for 
once  before,  I ween,  have  I made  thee  flee  before  my  spear. 
Hast  thou  forgotten  the  day  when  thou  wert  alone  with  the 
Icine,  and  I made  thee  run  swift-footed  down  Ida’s  steeps  in 
haste  ? — then  didst  thou  not  look  behind  thee  in  thy  flight. 
Thence  fleddest  thou  to  Lemessos,  but  I wasted  it,  having 
fought  against  it  with  the  help  of  Athene  and  of  father  Zeus, 
and  carried  away  women  captive,  bereaving  them  of  their 
day  of  freedom : only  thee  Zeus  shielded,  and  other  gods. 
But  not  this  time,  methinks,  shall  they  shield  thee,  as  thou 
imaginest  in  thy  heart : therefore  I bid  thee  go  back  into 
the  throng  and  come  not  forth  against  me,  while  as  yet 
thou  art  unhurt — after  the  event  even  a fool  is  wise.” 

Then  to  him  in  answer  again  Aineias  spake ; “ Son  of 
Peleus,  think  not  with  words  to  affright  me  as  a child,  since  I 
too  well  know  myself  how  to  speak  taunts  and  unjust  speech. 
We  know  each  other’s  race  and  lineage  in  that  we  have 
heard  the  fame  proclaimed  by  mortal  men,  but  never  hast 
thou  set  eyes  on  my  parents,  or  I on  thine.  Thou,  they 
say,  art  son  of  noble  Peleus,  and  of  Thetis  of  the  fair  tresses, 
the  daughter  of  the  sea  : the  sire  I boast  is  Anchises  great 
of  heart,  and  my  mother  is  Aphrodite.  Of  these  shall  one 
pair  or  the  other  mourn  their  dear  son  to-day ; for  verily 
not  with  idle  words  shall  we  two  satisfy  our  strife  and  depart 
out  of  the  battle.  But,  if  thou  wilt,  learn  also  this,  that 
thou  mayest  well  know  our  lineage,  known  to  full  many 
men  : First  Zeus  the  cloud-gatherer  begat  Dardanos,  and  he 
stablished  Dardania,  for  not  yet  was  holy  Ilios  built  upon 
the  plain  to  be  a city  of  mortal  men,  but  still  they  dwelt  on 
slopes  of  many-fountained  Ida.  Then  Dardanos  begat  a 
son,  king  Erichthonios,  who  became  richest  of  mortal  men. 
Three  thousand  mares  had  he  that  pastured  along  the  marsh 


406 


ILIAD  XX,  222-256 


meadow,  rejoicing  in  their  tender  foals.  Of  them  wag 
Boreas  enamoured  as  they  grazed,  and  in  semblance  of  a 
dark-maned  horse  he  covered  them  : then  they  having  con- 
ceived bare  twelve  fillies.  These  when  they  bounded  over 
Earth  the  grain-giver  would  run  upon  the  topmost  ripened 
ears  of  corn  and  break  them  not ; and  when  they  bounded 
over  the  broad  backs  of  the  sea  they  would  run  upon  the 
crests  of  the  breakers  of  the  hoary  brine.  Then  Erich- 
thonios  begat  Tros  to  be  lord  over  the  Trojans,  and  to  Tros 
three  noble  sons  were  born,  Ilos  and  Assarakos  and  godlike 
Ganymedes,  who  became  the  most  beautiful  of  mortal  men. 
Him  the  gods  caught  up  to  be  cupbearer  to  Zeus,  for  sake 
of  his  beauty,  that  he  might  dwell  among  immortals.  Then 
Ilos  again  begat  a son,  noble  Laomedon,  and  Laomedon 
begat  Tithonos  and  Priam  and  Lampos  and  Klytios.  and 
Hiketaon,  of  the  stock  of  Ares.  And  Assarakos  begat 
Kapys,  and  Kapys  Anchises,  and  Anchises  me ; but  Priam 
begat  the  goodly  Hector. 

“ Lo  then  of  this  blood  and  lineage  declare  I myself  unto 
thee.  But  for  valour,  Zeus  increaseth  it  in  men  or  minisheth 
it  according  as  he  will,  for  he  is  lord  of  all.  But  come,  let 
us  talk  thus  together  no  longer  like  children,  standing  in 
mid  onset  of  war.  For  there  are  revilings  in  plenty  for  both 
of  us  to  utter — a hundred-thwarted  ship  would  not  suffice  for 
the  load  of  them.  Glib  is  the  tongue  of  man,  and  many 
words  are  therein  of  every  kind,  and  wide  is  the  range  of  his 
speech  hither  and  thither.  Whatsoever  word  thou  speak, 
such  wilt  thou  hear  in  answer.  But  what  need  that  we 
should  bandy  strife  and  wrangling  each  against  each,  like 
women,  who  when  they  wax  wroth  for  some  heart -wast- 
ing quarrel  go  forth  into  the  mid  street  and  wrangle  each 
against  each  with  words  true  and  false ; for  these  too  anger 
bids  them  speak.  But  not  by  speech  shalt  thou  turn  me 


ILIAD  XX,  256-289 


407 


from  the  battle  that  I desire,  until  we  have  fought  together, 
point  to  point : come  then,  and  straightway  we  will  each 
try  the  other  with  bronze-headed  spears.” 

He  said,  and  against  that  other’s  dread  and  mighty  shield 
hurled  his  great  spear,  and  the  shield  rang  loud  beneath  the 
spear-point.  And  the  son  of  Peleus  held  away  the  shield 
from  him  with  his  stout  hand,  in  fear,  for  he  thought  that  the 
far-shadowing  spear  of  Aineias  great  of  heart  would  lightly 
pierce  it  through — fond  man,  and  knew  not  in  his  mind  and 
heart  that  not  lightly  do  the  glorious  gifts  of  gods  yield  to 
force  of  mortal  men.  So  did  not  the  great  spear  of  wise 
Aineias  pierce  that  shield,  for  the  gold  resisted  it,  even  the 
gift  of  the  god.  Yet  through  two  folds  he  drave  it,  but 
three  remained,  for  five  folds  had  the  lame  god  welded,  two 
bronze,  and  two  inside  of  tin,  and  one  of  gold  ; therein  was 
stayed  the  ashen  spear. 

Then  Achilles  in  his  turn  hurled  his  far-shadowing  spear, 
and  smote  upon  the  circle  of  the  shield  of  Aineias,  beneath 
the  edge  of  the  rim,  where  the  bronze  ran  thinnest  round, 
and  the  bull-hide  was  thinnest  thereon ; and  right  through 
sped  the  Pelian  ashen  spear,  and  the  shield  cracked  under 
it.  And  Aineias  crouched  and  held  up  the  shield  away  from 
him  in  dread ; and  the  spear  flew  over  his  back  and  fixed 
itself  in  the  earth,  having  divided  asunder  the  two  circles  of 
the  sheltering  shield.  And  having  escaped  the  long  spear 
he  stood  still,  and  a vast  anguish  drowned  his  eyes,  affrighted 
that  the  spear  was  planted  by  him  so  nigh.  But  Achilles 
drew  his  sharp  sword  and  furiously  made  at  him,  crying 
his  terrible  cry : then  Aineias  grasped  in  his  hand  a stone  (a 
mighty  deed)  such  as  two  men,  as  men  now  are,  would  not 
avail  to  lift,  but  he  with  ease  wielded  it  all  alone.  Then 
would  Aineias  have  smitten  him  with  the  stone  as  he  charged, 
either  on  helm  or  shield,  which  had  warded  from  him  bitter 


4oS 


ILIAD  XX,  289-323 

death,  and  then  would  the  son  of  Peleus  have  closed  and 
slain  him  with  his  sword,  had  not  Poseidon,  Shaker  of  earth, 
marked  it  with  speed,  and  straightway  spoken  among  the 
immortal  gods  : “ Alas,  woe  is  me  for  Aineias  great  of  heart, 
who  quickly  will  go  down  to  Hades  slain  by  the  son  of  Peleus, 
for  that  he  will  obey  the  words  of  Apollo  the  far-darter, 
fond  man,  but  nowise  shall  the  god  help  him  from  grievous 
death.  But  wherefore  now  is  he  to  suffer  ill  in  his  innocence, 
causelessly  for  others’  wickedness,1  yet  welcome  ever  are 
his  offerings  to  the  gods  who  inhabit  the  spacious  heaven  ? 
Come,  let  us  guide  him  out  of  death’s  way,  lest  the  son  of 
Kronos  be  wroth,  if  Achilles  slay  him ; for  it  is  appointed  to 
him  to  escape,  that  the  race  of  Dardanos  perish  not  without 
seed  or  sign,  even  Dardanos  whom  the  son  of  Kronos  loved 
above  all  the  children  born  to  him  from  the  daughters 
of  men.  For  the  race  of  Priam  hath  Zeus  already  hated 
But  thus  shall  the  might  of  Aineias  reign  among  the  Trojans, 
and  his  children’s  children,  who  shall  be  bom  in  the  after- 
time.” 

And  him  then  answered  Hera  the  ox-eyed  queen:  “Shaker 
of  earth,  thyself  with  thine  own  mind  take  counsel,  whether 
thou  wilt  save  Aineias,  or  leave  him  [to  be  slain,  brave  though 
he  be,  by  Achilles,  Peleus’  son].  For  by  many  oaths  among 
all  the  Immortals  have  we  two  sworn,  even  Pallas  Athene  and 
I,  never  to  help  the  Trojans  from  their  evil  day,  not  even  when 
all  Troy  shall  burn  in  the  burning  of  fierce  fire,  and  they 
that  burn  her  shall  be  the  warlike  sons  of  the  Achaians.” 

Now  when  Poseidon  Shaker  of  earth  heard  that,  he 
went  up  amid  the  battle  and  the  clash  of  spears,  and  came 
where  Aineias  and  renowned  Achilles  were.  Then  presently 
he  shed  mist  over  the  eyes  of  Achilles,  Peleus’  son,  and 
drew  the  bronze  - headed  ashen  spear  from  the  shield  of 
1 Reading  iriur. 


Aineias  great  of  heart,  and  set  it  before  Achilles’  feet,  and 
lifted  Aineias  and  swung  him  high  from  off  the  earth.  Over 
many  ranks  of  warriors,  of  horses  many,  sprang  Aineias 
soaring  in  the  hand  of  the  god,  and  lighted  at  the  farthest 
verge  of  the  battle  of  many  onsets,  where  the  Kaukones 
were  arraying  them  for  the  fight.  Then  hard  beside  him 
came  Poseidon,  Shaker  of  earth,  and  spake  aloud  to  him 
winged  words : “ Aineias,  what  god  is  it  that  biddeth  thee 
fight  infatuate  against  Peleus’  vehement  son,  who  is  both  a 
better  man  than  thou  and  dearer  to  Immortals?  Rather 
withdraw  thee  whensoever  thou  fallest  in  with  him,  lest  even 
contrary  to  thy  fate  thou  enter  the  house  of  Hades.  But 
when  Achilles  shall  have  met  his  death  and  doom,  then  be 
thou  of  good  courage  to  fight  among  the  foremost,  for  there 
shall  none  other  of  the  Achaians  slay  thee.” 

He  spoke,  and  left  him  there,  when  he  had  shown  him 
all  these  things.  Then  quickly  from  Achilles’  eyes  he  purged 
the  magic  mist ; and  he  stared  with  wide  eyes,  and  in  trouble 
spake  unto  his  proud  soul : “ Ha ! verily  a great  marvel 
behold  I here  with  mine  eyes.  My  spear  lieth  here  upon 
the  ground,  nor  can  I anywise  see  the  man  at  whom  I hurled 
it  with  intent  to  slay  him.  Truly  then  is  Aineias  likewise 
dear  to  the  immortal  gods,  howbeit  I deemed  that  his  boast- 
ing thereof  was  altogether  vanity.  Away  with  him ! not 
again  will  he  find  heart  to  make  trial  of  me,  now  that  once 
more  he  has  escaped  death  to  his  joy.  But  come,  I will 
call  on  the  warlike  Danaans  and  go  forth  to  make  trial  of 
some  other  Trojan  face  to  face.” 

He  said,  and  leapt  along  the  lines,  and  called  upon  each 
man:  “No  longer  stand  afar  from  the  men  of  Troy,  noble 
Achaians,  but  come  let  man  match  man  and  throw  his  soul 
into  the  fight  Hard  is  it  for  me,  though  I be  strong,  to 


4io 


ILIAD  XX,  357-386 


assail  so  vast  a folk  and  fight  them  all : not  even  Ares, 
though  an  immortal  god,  nor  Athene,  could  plunge  into  the 
jaws  of  such  a fray  and  toil  therein.  But  to  my  utmost 
power  with  hands  and  feet  and  strength  no  whit,  I say,  will 
I be  slack,  nay,  never  so  little,  but  right  through  their  line 
will  I go  forward,  nor  deem  I that  any  Trojan  shall  be  glad 
who  shall  come  nigh  my  spear.” 

Thus  spake  he  urging  them.  But  to  the  Trojans  glorious 
Hector  called  aloud,  and  proclaimed  that  he  would  go  forth 
against  Achilles : “ High-hearted  Trojans,  fear  not  Peleus* 
son.  I too  in  words  could  fight  even  Immortals,  but  with 
the  spear  it  were  hard,  for  they  are  stronger  far.  Neither 
shall  Achilles  accomplish  all  his  talk,  but  part  thereof  he 
is  to  accomplish,  and  part  to  break  asunder  in  the  midst. 
And  against  him  will  I go  forth,  though  the  hands  of  him  be 
even  as  fire,  yea  though  his  hands  be  as  fire  and  his  fierce- 
ness as  the  flashing  steeL” 

Thus  spake  he  urging  them,  and  the  Trojans  raised  their 
spears  for  battle;  and  their  fierceness  was  mingled  con- 
fusedly, and  the  battle-cry  arose.  Then  Phoebus  Apollo 
stood  by  Hector  and  spake  to  him : “ Hector,  no  longer 
challenge  Achilles  at  all  before  the  lines,  but  in  the  throng 
await  him  and  from  amid  the  roar  of  the  battle,  lest  haply 
he  spear  thee  or  come  near  and  smite  thee  with  his  sword.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Hector  again  fell  back  into  the 
crowd  of  men,  for  he  was  amazed  when  he  heard  the  sound 
of  a god’s  voice. 

But  Achilles  sprang  in  among  the  Trojans,  his  heart 
clothed  with  strength,  crying  his  terrible  cry,  and  first  he 
took  Iphition,  Otrynteus’  valiant  son,  a leader  of  much  peo- 
ple, born  of  a Naiad  nymph  to  Otrynteus  waster  of  cities, 
beneath  snowy  Tmolos,  in  Hyde’s  rich  domain.  Him  as 
he  came  right  on  did  goodly  Achilles  smite  with  his  hurled 


ILIAD  XX,  386-418 


411 

spear,  down  through  the  midst  of  his  head,  and  it  was  rent 
asunder  utterly.  And  he  fell  with  a crash,  and  goodly  Achilles 
exulted  over  him  : “ Low  liest  thou,  son  of  Otrynteus,  most 
redoubtable  of  men ; here  is  thy  death,  thy  birth  was  on  the 
Gygaian  lake,  where  is  thy  sire’s  demesne,  by  Hyllos  rich  in 
fish  and  eddying  Hermos.” 

Thus  spake  he  exultant,  but  darkness  fell  upon  the  eyes 
of  Iphition : him  the  chariots  of  the  Achaians  clave  with 
their  tires  asunder  in  the  forefront  of  the  battle,  and  over 
him  Achilles  pierced  in  the  temples,  through  his  bronze- 
cheeked helmet,  Demoleon,  brave  stemmer  of  battle,  Antenor’s 
son.  No  stop  made  the  bronze  helmet,  but  therethrough 
sped  the  spear-head  and  clave  the  bone,  and  the  brain  with- 
in was  all  scattered  : that  stroke  made  ending  of  his  zeaL 
Then  Hippodamas,  as  he  leapt  from  his  chariot  and  fled 
before  him,  Achilles  wounded  in  the  back  with  his  spear : 
and  he  breathed  forth  his  spirit  with  a roar,  as  when  a 
dragged  bull  roareth  that  the  young  men  drag  to  the  altar  of 
the  Lord  of  Helike ; for  in  such  hath  the  Earthshaker  his 
delight : thus  roared  Hippodamas  as  from  his  bones  fled 
forth  his  haughty  spirit  But  Achilles  with  his  spear  went 
on  after  godlike  Polydoros,  Priam’s  son.  Him  would  his 
sire  continually  forbid  to  fight,  for  that  among  his  children 
he  was  youngest  bom  and  best  beloved,  and  overcame  all  in 
fleetness  of  foot.  Just  then  in  boyish  folly,  displaying  the 
swiftness  of  his  feet,  he  was  rushing  through  the  forefighters, 
until  he  lost  his  life.  Him  in  the  midst  did  fleet-footed 
noble  Achilles  smite  with  a javelin,  in  his  back  as  he 
darted  by,  where  his  belt’s  golden  buckles  clasped,  and  the 
breast  and  back  plates  overlapped : and  right  through  beside 
the  navel  went  the  spear-head,  and  he  fell  on  his  knee  with 
a cry,  and  dark  cloud  covered  him  round  about,  and  he 
clasped  his  bowels  to  him  with  his  hands  as  he  sank. 


412 


ILIAD  XX,  4 1 9-4 5 1 


Then  when  Hector  saw  his  brother  Polydoros  clasping 
his  bowels  with  his  hands,  and  sinking  to  the  earth,  a mist 
fell  over  his  eyes,  nor  longer  might  he  endure  to  range  so 
far  apart,  but  he  came  up  against  Achilles  brandishing  his 
sharp  spear,  and  like  a flame  of  fire.  And  Achilles  when  he 
saw  him,  sprang  up,  and  spake  exultingly  : “ Behold  the  man 
who  hath  deepest  stricken  into  my  soul,  who  slew  my  dear- 
prized  friend ; not  long  shall  we  now  shrink  from  each  other 
along  the  highways  of  the  war.” 

He  said,  and  looking  grimly  spake  unto  goodly  Hector : 
“ Come  thou  near,  that  the  sooner  thou  mayest  arrive  at  the 
goal  of  death.” 

Then  to  him,  unterrified,  said  Hector  of  the  glancing 
helm  : “ Son  of  Peleus,  think  not  with  words  to  affright  me 
as  a child,  since  I too  know  myself  how  to  speak  taunts  and 
unjust  speech.  And  I know  that  thou  art  a man  of  might, 
and  a far  better  man  than  I.  Yet  doth  this  issue  lie  in  the 
lap  of  the  gods,  whether  I though  weaker  shall  take  thy  life 
with  my  hurled  spear,  for  mine  too  hath  been  found  keen 
ere  now.” 

He  said,  and  poised  his  spear  and  hurled  it,  and  Athene 
with  a breath  turned  it  back  from  glorious  Achilles,  breath- 
ing very  lightly ; and  it  came  back  to  goodly  Hector,  and 
fell  there  before  his  feet.  Then  Achilles  set  fiercely  upon 
him,  egger  to  slay  him,  crying  his  terrible  cry.  But  Apollo 
caught  Hector  up,  very  easily,  as  a god  may,  and  hid  him 
in  thick  mist  Thrice  then  did  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles 
make  onset  with  his  spear  of  bronze,  and  thrice  smote  the 
thick  mist  [But  when  the  fourth  time  he  had  come  godlike 
on,]  then  with  dread  shout  he  spake  to  him  winged  words : 
“ Dog,  thou  art  now  again  escaped  from  death ; yet  came 
ill  very  nigh  thee;  but  now  hath  Phoebus  Apollo  saved 
thee,  to  whom  thou  must  surely  pray  when  thou  goest  forth 


4i3 


ILIAD  XX,  45 1-485 

amid  the  clash  of  spears.  Verily  I will  slay  thee  yet  when  I 
meet  thee  hereafter,  if  any  god  is  helper  of  me  too.  Now 
will  I make  after  the  rest,  whomsoever  I may  seize.” 

Thus  speaking  he  pierced  Dryops  in  the  midst  of  his 
neck  with  his  spear,  and  he  fell  down  before  his  feet.  But 
he  left  him  where  he  lay,  and  hurled  at  Demuchos  Philetor’s 
son,  a good  man  and  a tall,  and  stayed  him  with  a stroke 
upon  his  knees ; then  smote  him  with  his  mighty  sword  and 
reft  him  of  life.  Then  springing  on  Laogonos  and  Dardanos, 
sons  of  Bias,  he  thrust  both  from  their  chariot  to  the  ground, 
one  with  a spear-cast  smiting  and  the  other  in  close  battle 
with  his  sword.  Then  Tros,  Alastor’s  son  — he  came  and 
clasped  his  knees  to  pray  him  to  spare  him,  and  let  him 
go  alive,  and  slay  him  not,  having  compassion  on  his  like 
age,  fond  fool,  and  knew  not  that  he  might  not  gain  his 
prayers  ; for  nowise  soft  of  heart  or  tender  was  that 
man,  but  of  fierce  mood  — with  his  hands  he  touched 
Achilles’  knees,  eager  to  entreat  him,  but  he  smote  him  in 
the  liver  with  his  sword,  and  his  liver  fell  from  him,  and 
black  blood  therefrom  filled  his  bosom,  and  he  swooned,  and 
darkness  covered  his  eyes.'  Then  Achilles  came  near  and 
struck  Mulios  in  the  ear,  and  right  through  the  other  ear 
went  the  bronze  spear-head.  Then  he  smote  Agenor’s  son 
Echeklos  on  the  midst  of  the  head  with  his  hiked  sword,  and 
all  the  sword  grew  hot  thereat  with  blood ; and  dark  death 
seized  his  eyes,  and  forceful  fate.  Then  next  Deukalion,  just 
where  the  sinews  of  the  elbow  join,  there  pierced  he  him 
through  the  forearm  with  his  bronze  spear-head ; so  abode 
he  with  his  arm  weighed  down,  beholding  death  before  him  ; 
and  Achilles  smiting  the  neck  with  his  sword  swept  far  both 
head  and  helm,  and  the  marrow  rose  out  of  the  backbone, 
and  the  corpse  lay  stretched  upon  the  earth.  Then  went  he 
onward  after  Peires’  noble  son,  Rhigmos,  who  had  come  from 


414  ILIAD  XX,  485-503 

deep -soiled  Thrace : him  in  the  midst  he  smote  with  his 
hurled  javelin,  and  the  point  fixed  in  his  lung,  and  he  fell 
forth  of  his  chariot.  And  Are'ithoos  his  squire,  as  he  turned 
the  horses  round,  he  pierced  in  the  back  with  his  sharp  spear, 
and  thrust  him  from  the  car,  and  the  horses  ran  wild  with 
fear. 

As  through  deep  glens  rageth  fierce  fire  on  some  parched 
mountain-side,  and  the  deep  forest  bumeth,  and  the  wind 
driving  it  whirleth  every  way  the  flame,  so  raged  he  every 
way  with  his  spear,  as  it  had  been  a god,  pressing  hard  on 
the  men  he  slew ; and  the  black  earth  ran  with  blood.  For 
even  as  when  one  yoketh  wide-browed  bulls  to  tread  white 
barley  in  a stablished  threshing-floor,  and  quickly  is  it 
trodden  out  beneath  the  feet  of  the  loud-lowing  bulls,  thus 
beneath  great-hearted  Achilles  his  whole -hooved  horses 
trampled  corpses  and  shields  together ; and  with  blood  all  the 
axletree  below  was  sprinkled  and  the  rims  that  ran  around  the 
car,  for  blood-drops  from  the  horses’  hooves  splashed  them, 
and  blood-drops  from  the  tires  of  the  wheels.  But  the  son 
of  Peleus  pressed  on  to  win  him  glory,  flecking  with  gore  his 
irresistible  hands*. 


: 


BOOK  XXI. 


How  Achilles  fought  with  the  River,  and  chased  the  men  of  Troy 
within  their  gates. 


But  when  now  they  came  unto  the  ford  of  the  fair-flowing 
river,  even  eddying  Xanthos,  whom  immortal  Zeus  begat, 
there  sundering  them  he  chased  the  one  part  to  the  plain 
toward  the  city,  even  where  the  Achaians  were  flying  in 
affright  the  day  before,  when  glorious  Hector  was  in  his  fury 
— thither  poured  some  in  flight,  and  Hera  spread  before 
them  thick  mist  to  hinder  them  : — but  half  were  pent  into  the 
deep-flowing  silver-eddied  river,  and  fell  therein  with  a mighty 
noise,  and  the  steep  channel  sounded,  and  the  banks  around 
rang  loudly ; for  with  shouting  they  swam  therein  hither  and 
thither,  whirled  round  the  eddies.  And  as  when  at  the  rush 
of  fire  locusts  take  wing  to  fly  unto  a river,  and  the  unweary- 
ing fire  flameth  forth  on  them  with  sudden  onset,  and  they 
huddle  in  the  water ; so  before  Achilles  was  the  stream  of 
deep-eddying  Xanthos  filled  with  the  roar  and  the  throng  of 
horses  and  men. 

Then  the  seed  of  Zeus  left  behind  him  his  spear  upon 
the  bank,  leant  against  tamarisk  bushes,  and  leapt  in,  as  it 
were  a god,  keeping  his  sword  alone,  and  devised  grim  work 
at  heart,  and  smote  as  he  turned  him  every  way  about : and 
their  groaning  went  up  ghastly  as  they  were  stricken  by  the 
sword,  and  the  water  reddened  with  blood.  As  before  a 


416 


ILIAD  XXL  22-56 


dolphin  of  huge  maw  fly  other  fish  and  fill  the  nooks  of 
some  fair-havened  bay,  in  terror,  for  he  devoureth  amain 
whichsoever  of  them  he  may  catch ; so  along  the  channels 
of  that  dread  stream  the  Trojans  crouched  beneath  the  pre- 
cipitous sides.  And  when  his  hands  wefe  weary  of  slaughter 
he  chose  twelve  young  men  alive  out  of  the  river,  an  atone- 
ment for  Patroklos  Menoitios’  son  that  was  dead.  These 
Drought  he  forth  amazed  like  fawns,  and  bound  behind 
them  their  hands  with  well-cut  thongs,  which  they  themselves 
wore  on  their  pliant  doublets,  and  gave  them  to  his  comrades 
to  lead  down  to  the  hollow  ships.  Then  again  he  made  his 
onset,  athirst  for  slaying. 

There  met  he  a son  of  Dardanid  Priam,  in  flight  out  of 
the  river,  Lykadn,  whom  once  himself  he  took  and  brought 
unwilling  out  of  his  father’s  orchard,  in  a night  assault ; he 
was  cutting  with  keen  bronze  young  shoots  of  a wild  fig  tree, 
to  be  hand-rails  of  a chariot;  but  to  him  an  unlooked-for 
bane  came  goodly  Achilles.  And  at  that  time  he  sold  him 
into  well-peopled  Lemnos,  sending  him  on  ship  board,  and  the 
son  of  Jason  gave  a price  for  him  ; and  thence  a guest  friend 
freed  him  with  a great  ransom,  Eetion  of  Imbros,  and  sent 
him  to  goodly  Arisbe ; whence  flying  secretly  he  came  to 
his  father’s  house.  Eleven  days  he  rejoiced  among  his 
friends  after  he  was  come  from  Lemnos,  but  on  the  twelfth 
once  more  God  brought  him  into  the  hands  of  Achilles,  who 
was  to  send  him  to  the  house  of  Hades  though  nowise  fain 
to  go.  Him  when  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles  saw  bare  of  helm 
and  shield,  neither  had  he  a spear,  but  had  thrown  all  to  the 
ground ; for  he  sweated  grievously  as  he  tried  to  flee  out 
of  the  river,  and  his  knees  were  failing  him  for  weariness : 
then  in  wrath  spake  Achilles  to  his  great  heart : “ Ha  ! verily 
great  marvel  is  this  that  I behold  with  my  eyes.  Surely  then 
will  the  proud  Trojans  whom  I have  slain  rise  up  again 


ILIAD  XXI,  56-90 


4T7 


rom  beneath  the  murky  gloom,  since  thus  hath  this  man 
,ome  back  escaped  from  his  pitiless  fate,  though  sold  into 
oodly  Lemnos,  neither  hath  the  deep  of  the  hoary  sea 
tayed  him,  that  holdeth  many  against  their  will.  But  come 
hen,  of  our  spear’s  point  shall  he  taste,  that  I may  see  and 
earn  in  my  mind  whether  likewise  he  shall  come  back  even 
rom  beneath,  or  whether  the  life-giving  Earth  shall  hold 
,iim  down,  she  that  holdeth  so  even  the  strong.” 

Thus  pondered  he  in  his  place ; but  the  other  came  near 
.mazed,  fain  to  touch  his  knees,  for  his  soul  longed  exceed- 
ngly  to  flee  from  evil  death  and  black  destruction.  Then 
;oodly  Achilles  lifted  his  long  spear  with  intent  to  smite 
lim,  but  he  stooped  and  ran  under  it  and  caught  his  knees; 
md  the  spear  went  over  his  back  and  stood  in  the  ground, 
mngering  for  flesh  of  men.  Then  Lykaon  besought  him, 
vith  one  hand  holding  his  knees,  while  with  the  other  he 
leld  the  sharp  spear  and  loosed  it  not,  and  spake  to  him 
ringed  words : v“  I cry  thee  mercy,  Achilles ; have  thou 
egard  and  pity  for  me : to  thee,  O fosterling  of  Zeus,  am  I 
n the  bonds  of  suppliantship. ' For  at  thy  table  first  I tasted 
neal  of  Demeter  on  the  day  when  thou  didst  take  me 
aptive  in  the  well-ordered  orchard,  and  didst  sell  me  away 
rom  my  father  and  my  friends  unto  goodly  Lemnos,  and  I 
etched  thee  the  price  of  a hundred  oxen.  And  now  have  I 
>een  ransomed  for  thrice  that,  and  this  is  my  twelfth  morn 
ince  I came  to  Ilios  after  much  pain.  Now  once  again 
lath  ruinous  fate  delivered  me  into  thy  hands ; surely  I 
nust  be  hated  of  father  Zeus,  that  he  hath  given  me  a 
econd  time  unto  thee  ; and  to  short  life  my  mother  bare  me, 
^aothoe,  old  Altes’  daughter — Altes  who  ruleth  among  the 
..ar-loving  Leleges,  holding  steep  Pedasos  on  the  Satnioeis. 
His  daughter  Priam  had  to  wife,  with  many  others,  and  of 
ler  were  we  two  bom,  and  thou  wilt  butcher  both.  Him 


a K 


4i8 


ILIAD  XXI,  90-124 


among  the  foremost  of  the  foot-soldiers  didst  thou  lay  low 
even  godlike  Polydoros,  when  thou  smotest  him  with  th’ 
sharp  spear  : and  now  will  it  go  hard  with  me  here,  for  no  hop 
have  I to  escape  thy  hands,  since  God  hath  delivered  mi 
thereunto.  Yet  one  thing  will  I tell  thee,  and  do  thou  la; 
it  to  heart : slay  me  not,  since  I am  not  of  the  same  mothe 
as  Hector,  who  slew  thy  comrade  the  gentle  and  brave.” 

Thus  spake  to  him  the  noble  son  of  Priam,  beseeching 
him  with  words,  but  he  heard  a voice  implacable : “ Fonc 
fool,  proffer  me  no  ransom,  nor  these  words.  Until  Patroklos 
met  his  fated  day,  then  was  it  welcomer  to  my  soul  to  spare 
the  men  of  Troy,  and  many  I took  alive  and  sold  bey  one 
the  sea : but  now  there  is  none  shall  escape  death,  whom 
soever  before  Ilios  God  shall  deliver  into  my  hands — yea, 
even  among  all  Trojans,  but  chiefest  among  Priam’s  sons. 
Ay,  friend,  thou  too  must  die : why  thus  lamentest  thou  ? 
Patroklos  too  is  dead,  who  was  better  far  than  thou.  Seest 
thou  not  also  what  manner  of  man  am  I for  might  and 
goodliness  ? and  a good  man  was  my  father,  and  a goddess 
mother  bare  me.  Yet  over  me  too  hang  death  and  forceful 
fate.  There  cometh  morn  or  eve  or  some  noonday  when 
my  life  too  some  man  shall  take  in  battle,  whether  with  spear 
he  smite  or  arrow  from  the  string.” 

* Thus  spake  he,  and  the  other’s  knees  and  heart  were  un- 
strung. He  let  go  Achilles’  spear,  and  sat  with  both  hands 
outspread.  But  Achilles  drew  his  sharp  sword  and  smote  on 
the  collar-bone  beside  the  neck,  and  all  the  two-edged 
sword  sank  into  him,  and  he  lay  stretched  prone  upon  the 
earth,  and  blood  flowed  dark  from  him  and  soaked  the 
earth.'  Him  seized  Achilles  by  the  foot  and  sent  him  down 
the  stream,  and  over  him  exulting  spake  winged  words: 
“ There  lie  thou  among  the  fishes,  which  shall  lick  off  thy 
wound’s  blood  heedlessly,  nor  shall  thy  mother  lay  thee  on 


ILIAD  XXI,  x 24-1 59 


419 


i bed  and  mourn  for  thee,  but  Skamandros  shall  bear  thee 
an  his  eddies  into  the  broad  bosom  of  the  sea.  Leaping 
along  the  wave  shall  many  a fish  dart  up  to  the  dark  ripple 
to  eat  of  the  white  flesh  of  Lykaon.  So  perish  all,  until  we 
reach  the  citadel  of  sacred  Ilios,  ye  flying  and  I behind 
destroying.  Nor  even  the  River,  fair-flowing,  silver-eddied, 
shall  avail  you,  to  whom  long  time  forsooth  ye  sacrifice  many 
bulls,  and  air  _g  his  eddies  throw  whole-hooved  horses  down 
alive.  For  all  this  yet  shall  ye  die  the  death,  until  ye  pay 
all  for  Patroklos’  slaying  and  the  slaughter  of  Achaians 
whom  at  the  swift  ships  ye  slew  while  I tarried  afar.” 

Thus  spake  he,  but  the  River  waxed  ever  more  wroth  in 
his  heart,  and  sought  in  his  soul  how  he  should  stay  goodly 
Achilles  from  his  work,  and  ward  destruction  from  the 
Trojans.  Meanwhile  the  son  of  Peleus  with  his  far-shadow- 
ing spear  leapt,  fain  to  slay  him,  upon  Asteropaios  son  of 
Pelegon,  whom  wide-flowing  Axios  begat  of  Periboia  eldest 
of  the  daughters  of  Akessamenos,  for  with  her  lay  that 
deep-eddying  River.  Upon  him  set  Achilles,  and  Astero- 
paios stood  against  him  from  the  river,  holding  two  spears ; 
for  Xanthos  put  courage  into  his  heart,  being  angered  for 
the  slaughtered  youths  whom  Achilles  was  slaughtering 
along  the  stream  and  had  no  pity  on  them.  Then  when 
the  twain  were  come  nigh  in  onset  on  each  other,  unto  him 
first  spake  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles : “ Who  and  whence 
art  thou  of  men,  that  darest  to  come  against  me  ? Ill-fated 
are  they  whose  children  match  them  with  my  might.” 

And  to  him  made  answer  Pelegon’s  noble  son  : “ High- 
hearted son  of  Peleus,  why  askest  thou  my  lineage  ? I 
come  from  deep -soiled  Paionia,  a land  far  off,  leading 
Paionian  men  with  their  long  spears,  and  this  now  is  the 
eleventh  mom  since  I am  come  to  Ilios.  My  lineage  is  of 
wide-flowing  Axios.  who  begat  Pelegon  famous  with  the 


420  ILIAD  XXI,  159-192 

spear,  and  he,  men  say,  was  my  father.1  Now  fight  we, 
noble  Achilles  ! ” 

Thus  spake  he  in  defiance,  and  goodly  Achilles  lifted 
the  Pelian  ash : but  the  warrior  Asteropaios  hurled  with 
both  spears  together,  for  he  could  use  both  hands  alike, 
and  with  the  one  spear  smote  the  shield,  but  pierced  it  not 
right  through,  for  the  gold  stayed  it,  the  gift  of  a god  ; and 
with  the  other  he  grazed  the  elbow  of  Achi'dV  right  arm, 
and  there  leapt  forth  dark  blood,  but  the  point  beyond  him 
fixed  itself  in  the  earth,  eager  to  batten  on  flesh.  Then  in 
his  turn  Achilles  hurled  on  Asteropaios  his  straight-flying  ash, 
fain  to  have  slain  him,  but  missed  the  man  and  struck  the 
high  bank,  and  quivering  half  its  length  in  the  bank  he  left 
the  ashen  spear.  Then  the  son  of  Peleus  drew  his  sharp 
sword  from  his  thigh  and  leapt  fiercely  at  him,  and  he 
availed  not  to  draw  with  his  stout  hand  Achilles’  ashen  shaft 
from  the  steep  bank.  Thrice  shook  he  it  striving  to  draw 
it  forth,  and  thrice  gave  up  the  strain,  but  the  fourth  time  he 
was  fain  to  bend  and  break  the  ashen  spear  of  the  seed  of 
Aiakos,  but  ere  that  Achilles  closing  on  him  reft  him  of  life 
with  his  sword.  For  in  the  belly  he  smote  him  beside  the 
navel,  and  all  his  bowels  gushed  out  to  the  earth,  and 
darkness  covered  his  eyes  as  he  lay  gasping.  Then  Achilles 
trampling  on  his  breast  stripped  off  his  armour  and  spake 
exultingly  : “ Lie  there  ! It  is  hard  to  strive  against  children 
of  Kronos’  mighty  son,  even  though  one  be  sprung  from  a 
River-god.  Thou  truly  declarest  thyself  the  seed  of  a wide- 
flowing  River,  but  I avow  me  of  the  lineage  of  great  Zeus. 
My  sire  is  a man  ruling  many  Myrmidons,  Peleus  the  son 
of  Aiakos,  and  Aiakos  was  begotten  of  Zeus.  As  Zeus  is 
mightier  than  seaward-murmuring  rivers,  so  is  the  seed  of 
Zeus  made  mightier  than  the  seed  of  a river.  Nay,  there  is 
1 Omitting  line  1 58,  with  the  best  MSS. 


ILIAD  XXI,  192-226 


42 1 

nard  beside  thee  a great  river,  if  he  may  anywise  avail ; but 
against  Zeus  the  son  of  Kronos  it  is  not  possible  to  fight 
For  him  not  even  king  Acheloios  is  match,  nor  yet  the  great 
strength  of  deep-flowing  Ocean,  from  whom  all  rivers  flow 
and  every  sea,  and  all  springs  and  deep  wells : yea,  even  he 
hath  fear  of  the  lightning  of  great  Zeus  and  his  dread 
thunder,  when  it  pealeth  out  of  heaven.” 

He  said,  and  from  the  steep  bank  drew  his  bronze  spear, 
and  left  there  Asteropaios  whom  he  had  slain,  lying  in  the 
sands,  and  the  dark  water  flooded  him.  Around  him  eels 
and  fishes  swarmed,  tearing  and  gnawing  the  fat  about  his 
kidneys.  But  Achilles  went  on  after  the  charioted  Paiones  who 
still  along  the  eddying  river  huddled  in  fear,  when  they  saw 
their  best  man  in  the  stress  of  battle  slain  violently  by  the 
hands  and  the  sword  of  the  son  of  Peleus.  There  slew  he 
Thersilochos  and  Mydon  and  Astypylos  and  Mnesos  and 
Thrasios  and  Ainios  and  Ophelestes ; and  more  yet  of  the 
Paiones  would  swift  Achilles  have  slain,  had  not  the  deep- 
eddying  River  called  unto  him  in  wrath,  in  semblance  of  a 
man,  and  from  an  eddy’s  depth  sent  forth  a voice : “ O 
Achilles,  thy  might  and  thy  evil  work  are  beyond  the  measure 
of  men ; for  gods  themselves  are  ever  helping  thee.  If 
indeed  the  son  of  Kronos  hath  delivered  thee  all  the  Trojans 
to  destroy,  at  least  drive  them  forth  from  me  and  do  thy 
grim  deeds  on  the  plain,  for  filled  with  dead  men  is  my 
pleasant  bed,  nor  can  I pour  my  stream  to  the  great  sea, 
being  choked  with  dead,  and  thou  slayest  ruthlessly.  Come 
then,  let  be ; I am  astonied,  O captain  of  hosts.” 

And  to  him  answered  Achilles  fleet  of  foot : “ So  be  it, 
heaven-sprung  Skamandros,  even  as  thou  biddest.  But  the 
proud  Trojans  I will  not  cease  from  slaying  until  I have 
driven  them  into  their  city,  and  have  made  trial  with  Hector 
face  to  face  whether  he  is  to  vanquish  me  or  I him.” 


422 


ILIAD  XXI,  227-262 


Thus  saying,  he  set  upon  the  Trojans,  like  a god.  Then 
unto  Apollo  spake  the  deep-eddying  River : “ Out  on  it, 
lord  of  the  silver  bow,  child  of  Zeus,  thou  hast  not  kept  the 
ordinance  of  Kronos’  son,  who  charged  thee  straitly  to  stand 
by  the  Trojans  and  to  help  them,  until  eve  come  with  light 
late-setting,  and  darken  the  deep-soiled  earth.” 

He  said,  and  spear-famed  Achilles  sprang  from  the  bank 
and  leapt  into  his  midst ; but  he  rushed  on  him  in  a furious 
wave,  and  stirred  up  all  his  streams  in  tumult,  and  swept 
down  the  many  dead  who  lay  thick  in  him,  slain  by  Achilles ; 
these  out  to  land  he  cast  with  bellowing  like  a bull,  and 
saved  the  living  under  his  fair  streams,  hiding  them  within 
eddies  deep  and  wide.  But  terribly  around  Achilles  arose 
his  tumultuous  wave,  and  the  stream  smote  violently  against 
his  shield,  nor  availed  he  to  stand  firm  upon  his  feet  Then 
he  grasped  a tall  fair-grown  elm,  and  it  fell  uprooted  and  tore 
away  all  the  bank,  and  reached  over  the  fair  river  bed  with 
its  thick  shoots,  and  stemmed  the  River  himself,  falling  all 
within  him : and  Achilles,  struggling  out  of  the  eddy,  made 
haste  to  fly  over  the  plain  with  his  swift  feet,  for  he  was 
afraid.  But  the  great  god  ceased  not,  but  arose  upon  him 
with  darkness  on  his  crest,  that  he  might  stay  noble  Achilles 
from  slaughter,  and  ward  destruction  from  the  men  of  Troy. 
And  the  son  of  Peleus  rushed  away  a spear’s  throw,  with  the 
swoop  of  a black  eagle,  the  mighty  hunter,  strongest  at  once 
and  swiftest  of  winged  birds.  Like  him  he  sped,  and  on  his 
breast  the  bronze  rang  terribly  as  he  fled  from  beneath  the 
onset,  and  behind  him  the  River  rushed  on  with  a mighty 
roar.  As  when  a field-waterer  from  a dark  spring  leadeth 
water  along  a bed  through  crops  and  garden  grounds,  a 
mattock  in  his  hands,  casting  forth  hindrances  from  the 
ditch,  and  as  it  floweth  all  pebbles  are  swept  down,  and 
swiftly  gliding  it  murmureth  down  a sloping  place,  and  out- 


ILIAD  XXI,  262-296 


423 


■unneth  him  that  is  its  guide : — thus  ever  the  river  wave  caught 
jp  Achilles  for  all  his  speed;  for  gods  are  mightier  than 
nen.  For  whensoever  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles  struggled 
:o  stand  against  it,  and  know  whether  all  immortals  be  upon 
Tim  who  inhabit  spacious  heaven,  then  would  a great  wave 
?f  the  heaven-sprung  River  beat  upon  his  shoulders  from 
ibove,  and  he  sprang  upward  with  his  feet,  sore  vexed  at 
(beart ; and  the  River  was  wearying  his  knees  with  violent 
rush  beneath,  and  devouring  the  earth  from  under  his  feet. 
Then  the  son  of  Peleus  cried  aloud,  looking  up  to  the  broad 
heaven : “ Zeus,  Father,  how  doth  none  of  the  gods  take  it 
on  him  in  pity  to  save  me  from  the  River ! after  that  let 
come  to  me  what  may.  None  other  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Heaven  is  chargeable  so  much,  but  only  my  dear  mother, 
who  beguiled  me  with  false  words,  saying  that  under  the 
wall  of  the  mail-clad  men  of  Troy  I must  die  by  the  swift 
arrows  of  Apollo.  Would  that  Hector  had  slain  me,  the  best 
of  men  bred  here : then  brave  had  been  the  slayer,  and  a brave 
man  had  he  slain.  But  now  by  a sorry  death  am  I doomed 
to  die,  pent  in  this  mighty  river,  like  a swineherd  boy  whom 
a torrent  sweepeth  down  as  he  essayeth  to  cross  it  in  a 
storm.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  quickly  Poseidon  and  Athene  came 
near  and  stood  beside  him,  in  the  likeness  of  men,  and 
taking  his  hands  in  theirs  pledged  him  in  words.  And  the 
first  that  spake  was  Poseidon,  Shaker  of  the  earth  : “ Son  of 
Peleus,  tremble  not,  neither  be  afraid ; such  helpers  of  thee 
are  we  from  the  gods,  approved  of  Zeus,  even  Pallas  Athene 
and  I,  for  to  be  vanquished  of  a river  is  not  appointed 
thee,  but  he  will  soon  give  back,  and  thou  wilt  thyself 
perceive  it : but  we  will  give  thee  wise  counsel,  if  thou  wilt 
obey  it;  hold  not  thy  hand  from  hazardous  battle  until 
within  Ilios’  famous  walls  thou  have  pent  the  Trojan  host. 


ILIAD  XXI,  296-326 


424 

even  all  that  flee  before  thee.  But  do  thou,  when  thou  hast 
taken  the  life  of  Hector,  go  back  unto  the  ships ; this  glory 
we  give  unto  thee  to  win.” 

They  having  thus  spoken  departed  to  the  immortals,  but 
he  toward  the  plain — for  the  bidding  of  gods  was  strong 
upon  him — went  onward ; and  all  the  plain  was  filled  with 
water-flood,  and  many  beautiful  arms  and  corpses  of  slain 
youths  were  drifting  there.  So  upward  sprang  his  knees  as 
he  rushed  against  the  stream  right  on,  nor  stayed  him  the 
wide-flowing  River,  for  Athene  put  great  strength  in  him. 
Neither  did  Skamandros  slacken  his  fierceness,  but  yet 
more  raged  against  the  son  of  Peleus,  and  he  curled  crest- 
wise  the  billow  of  his  stream,  lifting  himself  on  high,  and  on 
Simoeis  he  called  with  a shout : “ Dear  brother,  the  strength 
of  this  man  let  us  both  join  to  stay,  since  quickly  he  will 
lay  waste  the  great  city  of  king  Priam,  and  the  Trojans 
abide  not  in  the  battle.  Help  me  with  speed,  and  fill  thy 
streams  with  water  from  thy  springs,  and  urge  on  all  thy 
torrents,  and  raise  up  a great  wave,  and  stir  huge  roaring 
of  tree-stumps  and  stones,  that  we  may  stay  the  fierce  man 
who  now  is  lording  it,  and  deeming  himself  match  for  gods. 
For  neither,  I ween,  will  strength  avail  him,  nor  comeliness 
anywise,  nor  that  armour  beautiful,  which  deep  beneath  the 
flood  shall  be  o’erlaid  with  slime,  and  himself  I will  wrap 
him  in  my  sands  and  pour  round  him  countless  shingle 
without  stint,  nor  shall  the  Achaians  know  where  to  gather 
his  bones,  so  vast  a shroud  of  silt  will  I heap  over  them. 
Where  he  dieth  there  shall  be  his  tomb,  neither  shall  he 
have  need  of  any  barrow  to  be  raised,  when  the  Achaians 
make  his  funeral.” 

He  said,  and  rushed  in  tumult  on  Achilles,  raging  from 
on  high,  thundering  with  foam  and  blood  and  bodies  of  dead 
men.  Then  did  a dark  wave  of  the  heaven-sprung  River 


ILIAD  XXI,  327-361 


425 


stand  towering  up  and  would  overwhelm  the  son  of  Peleus. 
But  Hera  cried  aloud  in  terror  for  Achilles,  lest  the  great 
deep-eddying  River  sweep  him  away,  and  straightway  she 
called  to  Hephaistos,  her  dear  son  : “ Rise,  lame  god,  O my 
son ; it  was  against  thee  we  thought  that  eddying  Xanthos 
was  matched  in  fight.  Help  with  all  speed,  put  forth  large 
blast  of  flame.  Then  will  I go  to  raise  a strong  storm  out 
of  the  sea  of  the  west  wind  and  the  white  south  which  shall 
utterly  consume  the  dead  Trojans  and  their  armour,  blowing 
the  angry  flame.  Thou  along  Xanthos’  banks  bum  up  his 
trees  and  wrap  himself  in  fire,  nor  let  him  anywise  turn  thee 
back  by  soft  words  or  by  threat,  nor  stay  thy  rage — only 
when  I cry  to  thee  with  my  voice,  then  hold  the  unwearying 
fire.” 

Thus  spake  she,  and  Hephaistos  made  ready  fierce- 
blazing  fire.  First  on  the  plain  fire  blazed,  and  burnt  the 
many  dead  who  lay  there  thick,  slain  by  Achilles ; and  all 
the  plain  was  parched  and  the  bright  water  stayed.  And  as 
when  in  late  summer  the  north  wind  swiftly  parcheth  a new 
watered  orchard,  and  he  that  tilleth  it  is  glad,  thus  was  the 
whole  plain  parched,  and  Hephaistos  consumed  the  dead  , 
then  against  the  river  he  turned  his  gleaming  flame.  Elms 
burnt  and  willow-trees  and  tamarisks,  and  lotos  burnt  and 
rush  and  galingale,  which  round  the  fair  streams  of  the  river 
grew  in  multitude.  And  the  eels  and  fishes  beneath  the 
eddies  were  afflicted,  which  through  the  fair  streams  tumbled 
fhis  way  and  that,  in  anguish  at  the  blast  of  crafty  Hephaistos 
And  the  strong  River  burned,  and  spake  and  called  to  him 
by  name:  “Hephaistos,  there  is  no  god  can  match  with 
thee,  nor  will  I fight  thee  thus  ablaze  with  fire.  Cease 
strife,  yea,  let  noble  Achilles  drive  the  Trojans  forthwith  out 
of  their  city ; what  have  I to  do  with  strife  and  succour?” 

Thus  spake  he,  burnt  with  fire,  for  his  fair  streams  were 


426 


ILIAD  XXI,  361-395 


bubbling.  And  as  a caldron  boileth  within,  beset  with 
much  fire,  melting  the  lard  of  some  fatted  hog  spurting  up 
on  all  sides,  and  logs  of  firewood  lie  thereunder, — so  burned 
his  fair  streams  in  the  fire,  and  the  water  boiled.  He  had  no 
mind  to  flow,  but  refrained  him,  for  the  breath  of  cunning 
Hephaistos  violently  afflicted  him.  Then  unto  Hera,  ear- 
nestly beseeching  her,  he  spake  winged  words  : “ Hera, 
wherefore  hath  thy  son  assailed  my  stream  to  vex  it  above 
others?  I am  less  chargeable  than  all  the  rest  that  are 
helpers  of  the  Trojans.  But  lo,  I will  give  over,  if  thou 
wilt,  and  let  thy  son  give  over  too.  And  I further  will  swear 
even  this,  that  never  will  I ward  the  day  of  evil  from  the 
Trojans,  not  even  when  all  Troy  is  burning  in  the  blaze  of 
hungry  fire,  and  the  warlike  sons  of  Achaians  are  the  burners 
thereof.” 

Then  when  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera  heard  his 
speech,  straightway  she  spake  unto  Hephaistos  her  dear  son : 
“ Hephaistos,  hold,  famed  son ; it  befitteth  not  thus  for 
mortals’  sake  to  do  violence  to  an  immortal  god.” 

Thus  said  she  and  Hephaistos  quenched  the  fierce-blazing 
fire,  and  the  wave  once  more  rolled  down  the  fair  river-bed. 

So  when  the  rage  of  Xanthos  was  overcome,  both  ceased, 
for  Hera  stayed  them,  though  in  wrath.  But  among  the 
other  gods  fell  grievous  bitter  strife,  and  their  hearts  were 
carried  diverse  in  their  breasts.  And  they  clashed  together 
with  a great  noise,  and  the  wide  earth  groaned,  and  the 
clarion  of  great  Heaven  rang  around.  Zeus  heard  as  he  sate 
upon  Olympus,  and  his  heart  within  him  laughed  pleasantly 
when  he  beheld  that  strife  of  gods.  Then  no  longer  stood 
they  asunder,  for  Ares  piercer  of  shields  began  the  battle 
and  first  made  for  Athene  with  his  bronze  spear,  and  spake 
a taunting  word : “ Wherefore,  O dogfly,  dost  thou  match 
gods  with  gods  in  strife,  with  stormy  daring,  as  thy  great 


ILIAD  XXI,  395-425  427 

spirit  moveth  thee  ? Rememberest  thou  not  how  thou 
movedst  Diomedes  Tydeus’  son  to  wound  me,  and  thyself 
didst  take  a visible  spear  and  thrust  it  straight  at  me  and 
pierce  through  my  fair  skin  ? Therefore  deem  I now  that 
thou  shalt  pay  me  for  all  that  thou  hast  done.” 

Thus  saying  he  smote  on  the  dread  tasselled  aegis 
that  not  even  the  lightning  of  Zeus  can  overcome  — 
thereon  smote  bloodstained  Ares  with  his  long  spear. 
But  she,  giving  back,  grasped  with  stout  hand  a stone 
that  lay  upon  the  plain,  black,  rugged,  huge,  which  men 
of  old  time  set  to  be  the  landmark  of  a field  ; this  hurled 
she,  and  smote  impetuous  Ares  on  the  neck,  and  unstrung 
his  limbs.  Seven  roods  he  covered  in  his  fall,  and  soiled 
his  hair  with  dust,  and  his  armour  rang  upon  him.  And 
Pallas  Athene  laughed,  and  spake  to  him  winged  words 
exultingly  : “ Fool,  not  even  yet  hast  thou  learnt  how  far 
better  than  thou  I claim  to  be,  that  thus  thou  matchest  thy 
might  with  mine.  Thus  shalt  thou  satisfy  thy  mother’s 
curses,  who  deviseth  mischief  against  thee  in  her  wrath,  for 
that  thou  hast  left  the  Achaians  and  givest  the  proud 
Trojans  aid.” 

Thus  having  said  she  turned  from  him  her  shining  eyes. 
Him  did  Aphrodite  daughter  of  Zeus  take  by  the  hand 
and  lead  away,  groaning  continually,  for  scarce  gathered 
he  his  spirit  back  to  him.  But  when  the  white-armed  god- 
dess Hera  was  aware  of  them,  straightway  she  spake  unto 
Athene  winged  words : “ Out  on  it,  child  of  aegis-bearing 
Zeus,  maiden  invincible,  lo  there  the  dogfly  is  leading  Ares 
destroyer  of  men  out  of  the  fray  of  battle  down  the  throng 
— nay  then,  pursue  her.” 

She  said,  and  Athene  sped  after  her  with  heart  exultant, 
and  made  at  her  and  smote  her  with  stout  hand  upon  the 
breast,  and  straightway  her  knees  and  heart  were  unstrung. 


428 


ILIAD  XXI,  426-46 


So  they  twain  lay  on  the  bounteous  earth,  and  she  spake 
winged  words  exultingly : “ Such  let  all  be  who  give  the  Tro- 
jans aid  when  they  fight  against  the  mailed  Argives.  Be  they 
even  so  bold  and  brave  as  Aphrodite  when  she  came  to 
succour  Ares  and  defied  my  might  Then  should  we  long 
ago  have  ceased  from  war,  having  laid  waste  the  stablished 
citadel  of  Ilios.” 

[She  said,  and  the  white-armed  goddess  Hera  smiled.] 
Then  to  Apollo  spake  the  earth-shaking  lord:  “Phoebus, 
why  stand  we  apart  ? It  befitteth  not  after  the  rest  have 
begun  : that  were  the  more  shameful  if  without  fighting 
we  should  go  to  Olympus  to  the  bronze-thresholded  house 
of  Zeus.  Begin,  for  thou  art  younger ; it  were  not  meet 
for  me,  since  I was  bom  first  and  know  more.  Fond  god, 
how  foolish  is  thy  heart ! Thou  rememberest  not  all  the 
ills  we  twain  alone  of  gods  endured  at  Ilios,  when  by  ordi- 
nance of  Zeus  we  came  to  proud  Laomedon  and  served 
him  through  a year  for  promised  recompense,  and  he  laid 
on  us  his  commands.  I round  their  city  built  the  Trojans 
a wall,  wide  and  most  fair,  that  the  city  might  be  unstormed, 
and  thou,  Phoebus,  didst  herd  shambling  crook-homed  kine 
among  the  spurs  of  woody  many-folded  Ida  But  when 
the  joyous  seasons  were  accomplishing  the  term  of  hire,  then 
redoubtable  Laomedon  robbed  us  of  all  hire,  and  sent  us  off 
with  threats.  He  threatened  that  he  would,  bind  together  our 
feet  and  hands  and  sell  us  into  far-off  isles,  and  the  ears 
of  both  of  us  he  vowed  to  shear  off  with  the  sword.  So 
we  went  home  with  angry  hearts,  wroth  for  the  hire  he 
promised  and  gave  us  not.  To  his  folk  now  thou  showest 
favour,  nor  essayest  with  us  how  the  proud  Trojans  may  be 
brought  low  and  perish  miserably  with  their  children  and 
noble  wives.” 

Then  to  him  answered  King  Apollo  the  Far-darter: 


ILIAD  XXI,  462-494  429 

“ Shaker  of  the  earth,  of  no  sound  mind  wouldst  thou  re 
pute  me  if  I should  fight  against  thee  for  the  sake  of  pitiful 
mortals,  who  like  unto  leaves  now  live  in  glowing  life,  con- 
suming the  fruit  of  the  earth,  and  now  again  pine  into  death. 
Let  us  with  all  speed  cease  from  combat,  and  let  them  do 
battle  by  themselves.” 

Thus  saying  he  turned  away,  for  he  felt  shame  to 
deal  in  blows  with  his  father’s  brother.  But  his  sister 
upbraided  him  sore,  the  queen  of  wild  beasts,  huntress 
Artemis,  and  spake  a taunting  word  : “So  then  thou 
fleest,  Far-darter,  and  hast  quite  yielded  to  Poseidon  the 
victory,  and  given  him  glory  for  naught  ! Fond  god, 
why  bearest  thou  an  ineffectual  bow  in  vain  ? Let  me 
not  hear  thee  again  in  the  halls  of  our  sire  boast  as 
before  among  the  immortal  gods  that  thou  wouldst  stand 
up  to  fight  against  Poseidon.” 

Thus  spake  she,  but  far-darting  Apollo  answered  her 
not.  But  angrily  the  noble  spouse  of  Zeus  [upbraided 
the  Archer  Queen  with  taunting  words :]  “ How  now  art 
thou  fain,  bold  vixen,  to  set  thyself  against  me  ? Hard 

(were  it  for  thee  to  match  my  might,  bow-bearer  though  thou 
art,  since  against  women  Zeus  made  thee  a lion,  and  giveth 
thee  to  slay  whomso  of  them  thou  wilt  Truly  it  is  better 
on  the  mountains  to  slay  wild  beasts  and  deer  than  to 
fight  amain  with  mightier  than  thou.  But  if  thou  wilt,  try 
war,  that  thou  mayest  know  well  how  far  stronger  am  I,  since 
thou  matchest  thy  might  with  mine.” 

She  said,  and  with  her  left  hand  caught  both  the 
other’s  hands  by  the  wrist,  and  with  her  right  took  the 
bow  from  off  her  shoulders,  and  therewith,  smiling,  beat  her 
on  the  ears  as  she  turned  this  way  and  that ; and  the 
swift  arrows  fell  out  of  her  quiver.  And  weeping  from 
before  her  the  goddess  fled  like  a dove  that  from  before 


43° 


ILIAD  XXI,  494-525 


a falcon  flieth  to  a hollow  rock,  a cleft — for  she  was  not 
fated  to  be  caught;  — thus  Artemis  fled  weeping,  and 
left  her  bow  and  arrows  where  they  lay.  Then  to  Leto 
spake  the  Guide,  the  slayer  of  Argus  : “ Leto,  with  thee 
will  I no  wise  fight ; a grievous  thing  it  is  to  come  to 
blows  with  wives  of  cloud-gathering  Zeus  ; but  boast  to 
chy  heart’s  content  among  the  immortal  gods  that  thou 
didst  vanquish  me  by  might  and  main.” 

Thus  said  he,  and  Leto  gathered  up  the  curved  bow  and 
arrows  fallen  hither  and  thither  amid  the  whirl  of  dust : so 
taking  her  daughter’s  bow  she  went  back.  And  the  maiden 
came  to  Olympus,  to  the  bronze-thresholded  house  of  Zeus, 
and  weeping  set  herself  on  her  father’s  knee,  while  round 
her  her  divine  vesture  quivered : and  her  father,  Kronos’ 
son,  took  her  to  him  and  asked  of  her,  laughing  gently : 
“ Who  of  the  inhabitants  of  heaven,  dear  child,  hath  dealt 
with  thee  thus  [hastily,  as  though  thou  hadst  been  doing 
some  wrong  thing  openly]  ? ” 

And  to  him  in  answer  spake  the  fair-crowned  queen  of 
the  echoing  chase : “ It  was  thy  wife  that  buffeted  me, 
father,  the  white-armed  Hera,  from  whom  are  strife  and 
contention  come  upon  the  immortals.” 

Thus  talked  they  unto  one  another.  Then  Phoebus 
Apollo  entered  into  sacred  Ilios,  for  he  was  troubled  for  the 
wall  of  the  well-builded  city,  lest  the  Danaans  waste  it  before 
its  hour  upon  that  day.  But  the  other  ever-living  gods  went 
to  Olympus,  some  angry  and  some  greatly  triumphing,  and 
sat  down  beside  Zeus , who  hideth  himself  in  dark  clouds. 

Now  Achilles  was  still  slaying  the  Trojans,  both  themselves 
and  their  whole-hooved  horses.  And  as  when  a smoke 
goeth  up  to  the  broad  heaven,  when  a city  bumeth,  kindled 
by  the  wrath  of  gods,  and  causeth  toil  to  all,  and  griefs  to 
many,  thus  caused  Achilles  toil  and  griefs  to  the  Troians. 


ILIAD  XXI,  526-559 


43 1 


And  the  old  man  Priam  stood  on  the  sacred  tower,  and  was 
aware  of  dread  Achilles,  how  before  him  the  Trojans  thronged 
in  rout,  nor  was  any  succour  found  of  them.  Then  with  a 
cry  he  went  down  from  the  tower,  to  rouse  the  gallant  war- 
ders along  the  walls  : “ Hold  open  the  gates  in  your  hands 
until  the  folk  come  to  the  city  in  their  rout,  for  closely  is 
Achilles  chasing  them — now  trow  I there  will  be  deadly 
deeds.  But  when  they  are  gathered  within  the  wall  and 
are  taking  breath,  then  again  shut  back  the  gate-wings  firmly 
builded  ; for  I fear  lest  that  murderous  man  spring  in  within 
the  wall.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  opened  the  gates  and  thrust 
back  the  bolts ; and  the  gates  flung  back  gave  safety.  Then 
Apollo  leapt  forth  to  the  front  that  he  might  ward  destruc- 
tion from  the  Trojans.  They  straight  for  the  city  and  the 
high  wall  were  fleeing,  parched  with  thirst  and  dust-grimed 
from  the  plain,  and  Achilles  chased  them  vehemently  with 
his  spear,  for  strong  frenzy  possessed  his  heart  continually, 
and  he  thirsted  to  win  him  renown.  Then  would  the  sons 
of  the  Achaians  have  taken  high-gated  Troy,  had  not  Phoebus 
Apollo  aroused  goodly  Agenor,  AntenoPs  son,  a princely  man 
and  a strong.  In  his  heart  he  put  good  courage,  and  him- 
self stood  by  his  side  that  he  might  ward  off  the  grievous 
visitations  of  death,  leaning  against  the  oak,  and  he  was 
shrouded  in  thick  mist  So  when  Agenor  was  aware  of  Achil- 
les waster  of  cities,  he  halted,  and  his  heart  much  wavered  as 
he  stood ; and  in  trouble  he  spake  to  his  great  heart : “ Ay 
me,  if  I flee  before  mighty  Achilles,  there  where  the  rest 
are  driven  terror-struck,  nathless  will  he  overtake  me  and 
slaughter  me  as  a coward.  Or  what  if  I leave  these  to  be 
driven  before  Achilles  the  son  of  Peleus,  and  flee  upon  my 
feet  from  the  wall  by  another  way  to  the  Ileian  plain,  until  I 
come  to  the  spurs  of  Ida,  and  hide  me  in  the  underwood  ? 


43  2 


ILIAD  XXI,  560-595 


So  then  at  evening,  having  bathed  in  the  river  and  refreshed 
me  of  sweat,  I might  return  to  Ilios.  Nay,  why  doth  my 
heart  debate  thus  within  me  ? Lest  he  might  be  aware  of 
me  as  I get  me  from  the  city  for  the  plain,  and  speeding 
after  overtake  me  with  swift  feet ; then  will  it  no  more  be 
possible  to  avoid  the  visitation  of  death,  for  he  is  exceeding 
mighty  above  all  mankind.  What  then  if  in  front  of  the 
city  I go  forth  to  meet  him  ? Surely  his  flesh  too  is  pene- 
trable by  sharp  bronze,  and  there  is  but  one  life  within,  and 
men  say  he  is  mortal,  howbeit  Zeus  the  son  of  Kronos 
giveth  him  renown.” 

Thus  saying,  he  gathered  himself  to  await  Achilles,  and 
within  him  his  stout  heart  was  set  to  strive  and  fight.  As  a 
leopardess  goeth  forth  from  a deep  thicket  to  affront  a hunts- 
man, nor  is  afraid  at  heart,  nor  fieeth  when  she  heareth  the 
bay  of  hounds ; for  albeit  the  man  first  smite  her  with  thrust 
or  throw,  yet  even  pierced  through  with  the  spear  she  ceaseth 
not  from  her  courage  until  she  either  grapple  or  be  slain,  so 
noble  Antenor’s  son,  goodly  Agenor,  refused  to  flee  till  he 
should  put  Achilles  to  the  proof,  but  held  before  him  the 
circle  of  his  shield,  and  aimed  at  him  with  his  spear,  and 
cried  aloud : “ Doubtless  thou  hopest  in  thy  heart,  noble 
Achilles,  on  this  day  to  sack  the  city  of  the  proud  men  of 
Troy.  Fond  man,  there  shall  many  woful  things  yet  be 
wrought  before  it,  for  within  it  we  are  many  men  and 
staunch,  who  in  front  of  our  parents  dear  and  wives  and 
sons  keep  Ilios  safe ; but  thou  shalt  here  meet  death,  albeit 
so  redoubtable  and  bold  a man  of  war.” 

He  said,  and  hurled  his  sharp  spear  with  weighty  hand, 
and  smote  him  on  the  leg  beneath  the  knee,  nor  missed  his 
mark,  and  the  greave  of  new-wrought  tin  rang  terribly  on 
him ; but  the  brdnze  bounded  back  from  him  it  smote,  nor 
pierced  him,  for  the  god’s  gift  drave  it  back  Then  the  son 


ILIAD  XXI,  595-61  x 


433 


of  Peleus  in  his  turn  made  at  god-like  Agenor,  but  Apollo 
suffered  him  not  to  win  renown,  but  caught  away  Agenor, 
and  shrouded  him  in  thick  mist,  and  sent  him  in  peace  to  be 
gone  out  of  the  war.  Then  by  wile  he  kept  the  son  of  Peleus 
away  from  the  folk,  for  in  complete  semblance  of  Agenor 
himself  he  stood  before  the  feet  of  Achilles,  who  hasted  to 
run  upon  him  and  chase  him.  And  while  he  chased  him 
over  the  wheat-bearing  plain,  edging  him  toward  the  deep- 
eddying  river  Skamandros,  as  he  ran  but  a little  in  front  of 
him  (for  by  wile  Apollo  beguiled  him  that  he  kept  ever  hoping 
to  overtake  him  in  the  race),  meantime  the  other  Trojans  in 
common  rout  came  gladly  unto  their  fastness,  and  the  city 
was  filled  with  the  throng  of  them.  Neither  had  they  heart 
to  await  one  another  outside  the  city  and  wall,  and  to  know 
who  might  have  escaped  and  who  had  perished  in  the  fight, 
but  impetuously  they  poured  into  the  city,  whomsoever  of 
them  his  feet  and  knees  might  save. 


BOOK  XXII. 


How  Achilles  fought  with  Hector,  and  slew  him,  and  brought  his  bod; 
to  the  ships. 

Thus  they  throughout  the  city,  scared  like  fawns,  were  cool 
ihg  their  sweat  and  drinking  and  slaking  their  thirst,  leaning 
on  the  fair  battlements,  while  the  Achaians  drew  near  tht 
wall,  setting  shields  to  shoulders.  But  Hector  deadly  fate 
bound  to  abide  in  his  place,  in  front  of  Ilios  and  the  Skaiat 
gates.  Then  to  the  son  of  Peleus  spake  Phoebus  Apollo 
“ Wherefore,  son  of  Peleus,  pursuest  thou  me  with  swift  feet, 
thyself  being  mortal  and  I a deathless  god  ? Thou  hast  not! 
even  yet  known  me,  that  I am  a god,  but  strivest  vehemently. 
Truly  thou  regardest  not  thy  task  among  the  affliction  of  the 
Trojans  whom  thou  affrightedst,  who  now  are  gathered  into 
the  city,  while  thou  hast  wandered  hither.  Me  thou  wilt 
never  slay,  for  I am  not  subject  unto  death.” 

Then  mightily  moved  spake  unto  him  Achilles  fleet  of 
foot : “ Thou  hast  baulked  me,  Far-darter,  most  mischievous 
of  all  the  gods,  in  that  thou  hast  turned  me  hither  from  the 
wall : else  should  full  many  yet  have  bitten  the  dust  or  ever 
within  Ilios  had  they  come.  Now  hast  thou  robbed  me  of 
great  renown,  and  lightly  hast  saved  them,  because  thou 
hadst  no  vengeance  to  fear  thereafter.  Verily  I would  avenge 
me  on  thee,  had  I but  the  power.” 

Thus  saying  toward  the  city  he  was  gone  in  pride  of 


ILIAD  XXII,  21-54 


435 


aeart,  rushing  like  some  victorious  horse  in  a chariot,  that 
runneth  lightly  at  full  speed  over  the  plain j so  swiftly  plied 
Achilles  his  feet  and  knees.  Him  the  old  man  Priam  first 
Deheld  as  he  sped  across  the  plain,  blazing  as  the  star  that 
;ometh  forth  at  harvest-time,  and  plain  seen  his  rays  shine 
forth  amid  the  host  of  stars  in  the  darkness  of  night,  the  star 
whose  name  men  call  Orion’s  Dog.  Brightest  of  all  is  he, 
pet  for  an  evil  sign  is  he  set,  and  bringeth  much  fever  upon 
aapless  men.  Even  so  on  Achilles’  breast  the  bronze  gleamed 
is  he  ran.  And  the  old  man  cried  aloud  and  beat  upon  his 
lead  with  his  hands,  raising  them  on  high,  and  with  a cry 
;alled  aloud  beseeching  his  dear  son ; for  he  before  the  gates 
was  standing,  all  hot  for  battle  with  Achilles.  And  the  old 
nan  spake  piteously  unto  him,  stretching  forth  his  hands : 
1 Hector,  beloved  son,  I pray  thee  await  not  this  man  alone 
with  none  beside  thee,  lest  thou  quickly  meet  thy  doom, 
slain  by  the  son  of  Peleus,  since  he  is  mightier  far,  a merci- 
less man.  Would  the  gods  loved  him  even  as  do  I ! then 
quickly  would  dogs  and  vultures  devour  him  on  the  field 
— thereby  would  cruel  pain  go  from  my  heart — the  man 
who  hath  bereft  me  of  many  valiant  sons,  slaying  them  and 
selling  them  captive  into  far-off  isles.  Ay  even  now  twain 
Df  my  children,  Lykaon  and  Polydoros,  I cannot  see  among 
the  Trojans  that  throng  into  the  fastness,  sons  whom  Laothoe 
bare  me,  a princess  among  women.  If  they  be  yet  alive  amid 
:he  enemy’s  host,  then  will  we  ransom  them  with  bronze  and 
2;old,  for  there  is  store  within,  for  much  goods  gave  the  old 
nan  famous  Altes  to  his  child.  If  they  be  dead,  then  even 
In  the  house  of  Hades1  shall  they  be  a sorrow  to  my  soul  and 
:o  their  mother,  even  to  us  who  gave  them  birth,  but  to  the 

1 Line  52.  According  to  the  above  translation  the  comma  is  placed 
ifter  refivatri.  If  it  is  placed  after  &bnouru>,  tlo  1 must  be  understood  and 
he  passage  translated  : ‘ If  they  be  dead  and  in  the  house  of  Hades, 
hen  shall  they  be  a sorrow.’  etc. 


4 36 


ILIAD  XXII,  54-88 


rest  jof  the  folk  a briefer  sorrow,  if  but  thou  die  not  bj 
Achilles’  hand.  Nay,  come  within  the  wall,  my  child,  thal 
thou  preserve  the  men  and  women  of  Troy,  neither  give 
great  triumph  to  the  son  of  Peleus,  and  be  thyself  bereft  ol 
sweet  life.  Have  compassion  also  on  me,  the  helpless  one, 
who  still  can  feel,  ill-fated;  whom  the  father,  Kronos’  son,  wil) 
bring  to  nought  by  a grievous  doom  in  the  path  of  old  age, 
having  seen  full  many  ills,  his  sons  perishing  and  his  daughters 
carried  away  captive,  and  his  chambers  laid  waste  and  infant 
children  hurled  to  the  ground  in  terrible  war,  and  his  sons' 
wives  dragged  away  by  the  ruinous  hands  of  the  Achaians. 
Myself  then  last  of  all  at  the  street  door  will  ravening  dogs 
tear,  when  some  one  by  stroke  or  throw  of  the  sharp  bronze 
hath  bereft  my  limbs  of  life — even  the  dogs  I reared  in  my 
halls  about  my  table  and  to  guard  my  door,  which  then 
having  drunk  my  blood,  maddened  at  heart  shall  lie  in  the 
gateway.  A young  man  all  beseemeth,  even  to  be  slain  in 
war,  to  be  tom  by  the  sharp  bronze  and  lie  on  the  field ; ■ 
though  he  be  dead  yet  is  all  honourable  to  him,  whate’er  be 
seen  : but  when  dogs  defile  the  hoary  head  and  hoary  beard 
and  the  secret  parts  of  an  old  man  slain,  this  is  the  most 
piteous  thing  that  cometh  upon  hapless  men.” 

Thus  spake  the  old  man,  and  grasped  his  hoary  hairs, 
plucking  them  from  his  head,  but  he  persuaded  not  Hector’s 
soul.  Then  his  mother  in  her  turn  wailed  tearfully,  loosen- 
ing the  folds  of  her  robe,  while  with  the  other  hand,  she 
showed  her  breast ; and  through  her  tears  spake  to  him 
winged  words : “ Hector,  my  child,  have  regard  unto  this 
bosom  and  pity  me,  if  ever  I gave  tbee  consolation  of  my 
breast  Think  of  it,  dear  child,  and  from  this  side  the  wall 
drive  back  the  foe,  nor  stand  in  front  to  meet  him.  He  is 
merciless ; if  he  slay  thee  it  will  not  be  on  a bed  that  I or 
thy  wife  wooed  with  many  gifts  shall  bewail  thee,  my  own 


ILIAD  XXII,  88-124 


437 

dear  child,  but  far  away  from  us  by  the  ships  of  the  Argives 
will  swift  dogs  devour  thee.” 

Thus  they  with  wailing  spake  to  their  dear  son,  beseeching 
him  sore,  yet  they  persuaded  not  Hector’s  soul,  but  he  stood 
awaiting  Achilles  as  he  drew  nigh  in  giant  might.  As_ji 
serpent  of  the  mountains  upon  his  den  awaiteth  a man, 

having  fed  on  evil  poisons,  and  fell  wrath  hath  entered  into 

him,  and  terribly  he  glareth  as  he  coileth  himself  about  his 
den,  so  Hector  with  courage  unquenchable  gave  not  back, 
leaning  his  shining  shield  against  a jutting  tower.  Then  sore 
troubled  he  spake  to  his  great  heart : “ Ay  me,  if  I go  within 
the  gates  and  walls,  Polydamas  will  be  first  to  bring  reproach 
against  me,  since  he  bade  me  lead  the  Trojans  to  the 
city  during  this  ruinous  night,  when  noble  Achilles  arose. 
But  I regarded  him  not,  yet  surely  it  had  been  better  far. 
And  now  that  I have  undone  the  host  by  my  wantonness,  I 
am  ashamed  before  the  men  of  Troy  and  women  of  trailing 
robes,  lest  at  any  time  some  worse  man  than  I shall  say : 
‘Hector  by  trusting  his  own  might  undid  the  host.’  So 
will  they  speak ; then  to  me  would  it  be  better  far  to  face 
Achilles  and  either  slay  him  and  go  home,  or  myself  die 
gloriously  before  the  city.  Or  what  if  I lay  down  my  bossy 
shield  and  my  stout  helm,  and  lean  my  spear  against  the 
wall,  and  go  of  myself  to  meet  noble  Achilles  and  promise 
him  that  Helen,  and  with  her  all  possessions  that  Alexandras 
brought  in  hollow  ships  to  Troy,  the  beginning  of  strife,  we 
will  give  to  the  sons  of  Atreus  to  take  away,  and  therewithal 
to  divide  in  half  with  the  Achaians  all  else  that  this  city  hold- 
eth  : and  if  thereafter  I obtain  from  the  Trojans  an  oath  of 
the  Elders  that  they  will  hide  nothing  but  divide  all  in  twain 
[whatever  wealth  the  pleasant  city  hold  within]  ? But  where 
fore  doth  my  heart  debate  thus  ? I might  come  unto  him 
and  he  would  not  pity  or  regard  me  at  all,  but  presently  slay 


ILIAD  XXII,  124-159 


43s 


me  unarmed  as  it  were  but  a woman,  if  I put  off  my  armour 
No  time  is  it  now  to  dally  with  him  from  oaktree  or  fron 
rock,  like  youth  with  maiden,  as  youth  and  maiden  hol< 
dalliance  one  with  another.  Better  is  it  to  join  battle  wit! 
all  speed : let  us  know  upon  which  of  us  twain  the  Olympiar  • 
shall  bestow  renown.” 

Thus  pondered  he  as  he  stood,  but  nigh  on  him  cam* 
Achilles,  peer  of  Enyalios  warrior  of  the  waving  helm 
brandishing  from  his  right  shoulder  the  Pelian  ash,  his 
terrible  spear ; and  all  around  the  bronze  on  him  flashed  like 
the  gleam  of  blazing  fire  or  of  the  Sun  as  he  ariseth.  And 
trembling  seized  Hector  as  he  was  aware  of  him,  nor  endured 
he  to  abide  in  his  place,  but  left  the  gates  behind  him  and 
fled  in  fear.  And  the  son  of  Peleus  darted  after  him,  trust- 
ing in  his  swift  feet.  As  a falcon  upon  the  mountains, 
swiftest  of  winged  things,  swoopeth  fleetly  after  a trembling 
dove ; and  she  before  him  fleeth,  while  he  with  shrill  screams 
hard  at  hand  still  darteth  at  her,  for  his  heart  urgeth  him  to 
seize  her ; so  Achilles  in  hot  haste  flew  straight  for  him,  and 
Hector  fled  beneath  the  Trojans’  wall,  and  plied  swift  knees. 
They  past  the  watch-place  and  wind-waved  wild  figtree  sped 
ever,  away  from  under  the  wall,  along  the  waggon-track,  and 
came  to  the  two  fair-flowing  springs,  where  two  fountains 
rise  that  feed  deep-eddying  Skamandros.  The  one  floweth 
with  warm  water,  and  smoke  goeth  up  therefrom  around  as 
it  were  from  a blazing  fire,  while  the  other  even  in  summei 
floweth  forth  like  cold  hail  or  snow  or  ice  that  water  formeth. 
And  there  beside  the  springs  are  broad  washing-troughs  hard 
by,  fair  troughs  of  stone,  where  wives  and  fair  daughters  of  the 
men  of  Troy  were  wont  to  wash  bright  raiment,  in  the  old  time 
of  peace,  before  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  came.  Thereby 
they  ran,  he  flying,  he  pursuing.  Valiant  was  the  flier  but 
far  mightier  he  who  fleetly  pursued  him.  For  not  for  beast 


ILIAD  XXII,  1 59-194 


439 


of  sacrifice  or  for  an  oxhide  were  they  striving,  such  as  are 
jrizes  for  men’s  speed  of  foot,  but  for  the  life  of  horse-tam- 
ng  Hector  was  their  race.  And  as  when  victorious  whole- 
tiooved  horses  run  rapidly  round  the  turning-points,  and 
some  great  prize  lieth  in  sight,  be  it  a tripod  or  a woman,  in 
lonour  of  a man  that  is  dead,  so  thrice  around  Priam’s  city 
circled  those  twain  with  flying  feet,  and  all  the  gods  were 
razing  on  them.  Then  among  them  spake  first  the  father 
jf  gods  and  men : “ Ay  me,  a man  beloved  I see  pursued 
around  the  wall.  My  heart  is  woe  for  Hector,  who  hath 
ournt  for  me  many  thighs  of  oxen  amid  the  crests  of  many- 
folded  Ida,  and  other  times  on  the  city-height ; but  now  is 
goodly  Achilles  pursuing 'him  with  swift  feet  round  Priam’s 
:own.  Come,  give  your  counsel,  gods,  and  devise  whether 
tve  shall  save  him  from  death  or  now  at  last  slay  him,  valiant 
;hough  he  be,  by  the  hand  of  Achilles  Peleus’  son.” 

Then  to  him  answered  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene : 
“ O Father,  Lord  of  the  bright  lightning  and  the  dark  cloud, 
what  is  this  thou  hast  said  ? A man  that  is  a mortal,  doomed 
long  ago  by  fate,  wouldst  thou  redeem  back  from  ill-boding 
death  ? Do  it,  but  not  all  we  other  gods  approve.” 

And  unto  her  in  answer  spake  cloud-gathering  Zeus : 
“ Be  of  good  cheer,  Trito-born,  dear  child : not  in  full 
earnest  speak  I,  and  I would  fain  be  kind  to  thee.  Do  as 
seemeth  good  to  thy  mind,  and  draw  not  back.” 

Thus  saying  he  roused  Athene,  that  already  was  set 
thereon,  and  from  the  crests  of  Olympus  she  darted  down. 

But  after  Hector  sped  fleet  Achilles  chasing  him  vehe- 
mently. And  as  when  on  the  mountains  a hound  hunteth 
the  fawn  of  a deer,  having  started  it  from  its  covert,  through 
glens  and  glades,  and  if  it  crouch  to  baffle  him  under  a bush, 
yet  scenting  it  out  the  hound  runneth  constantly  until  he 
find  it;  so  Hector  baffled  not  Peleus’  fleet-footed  son.  Oft 


44° 


ILIAD  XXII,  194-227 


as  he  set  himself  to  dart  under  the  well  built  walls  over  against 
the  Dardanian  gates,  if  haply  from  above  they  might  succour 
him  with  darts,  so  oft  would  Achilles  gain  on  him  and  turn 
him  toward  the  plain,  while  himself  he  sped  ever  on  the  city- 
side.  And  as  in  a dream  one  faileth  in  chase  of  a flying 
man — the  one  faileth  in  his  flight  and  the  other  in  his  chase 
— so  failed  Achilles  to  overtake  him  in  the  race,  and  Hector 
to  escape.  And  thus1  would  Hector  have  avoided  the  visi- 
tation of  death,  had  not  this  time  been  utterly  the  last  wherein 
Apollo  came  nigh  to  him,  who  nerved  his  strength  and  his 
swift  knees.  For  to  the  host  did  noble  Achilles  sign  with 
his  head,  and  forbade  them  to  hurl  bitter  darts  against! 
Hector,  lest  any  smiting  him  should  gain  renown,  and  het 
himself  come  second.  But  when  the  fourth  time  they  had 
reached  the  springs,  then  the  Father  hung  his  golden  balances, 
and  set  therein  two  lots  of  dreary  death,  one  of  Achilles,  one 
of  horse-taming  Hector,  and  held  them  by  the  midst  and 
poised.  Then  Hector’s  fated  day  sank  down,  and  fell  to  the 
house  of  Hades,  and  Phoebus  Apollo  left  him.  But  to 
Peleus’  son  came  the  bright-eyed  goddess  Athene,  and  stand- 
ing near  spake  to  him  winged  words : “ Now  verily,  glori-  1 
ous  Achilles  dear  to  Zeus,  I have  hope  that  we  twain  shall 
carry  off  great  glory  to  the  ships  for  the  Achaians,  having 
slain  Hector,  for  all  his  thirst  for  fight.  No  longer  is  it 
possible  for  him  to  escape  us,  not  even  though  far-darting 
Apollo  should  travail  sore,  grovelling  before  the  Father, 
aegis-bearing  Zeus.  But  do  thou  how  stand  and  take  breath, 
and  I will  go  and  persuade  this  man  to  confront  thee  in 
fight." 

Thus  spake  Athene,  and  he  obeyed,  and  was  glad  at 
heart,  and  stood  leaning  on  his  bronze-pointed  ashen-spear. 
And  she  left  him  and  came  to  noble  Hector,  like  unto 
1 Reading  rdt,  Diintzer’s  conjecture  for  t<3s  of  MSS. 


ILIAD  XXII,  227-259 


441 


Deiphobos  in  shape  and  in  strong  voice,  and  standing 
near  spake  to  him  winged  words  : “ Dear  brother,  verily 
fleet  Achilles  doth  thee  violence,  chasing  thee  round 
Priam’s  town  with  swift  feet  : but  come  let  us  make  a 
stand  and  await  him  on  our  defence.” 

Then  answered  her  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  : 
“ Deiphobos,  verily  aforetime  wert  thou  far  deares.t  of  my 
brothers,  whom  Hekabe  and  Priam  gendered,  but  now  me- 
thinks  I shall  honour  thee  even  more,  in  that  thou  hast 
dared  for  my  sake,  when  thou  sawest  me,  to  come  forth  of 
the  wall,  while  the  others  tarry  within.” 

Then  to  him  again  spake  the  bright -eyed  goddess 
Athene  : “ Dear  brother,  of  a truth  my  father  and  lady 
mother  and  my  comrades  around  besought  me  much, 
entreating  me  in  turn,  to  tarry  there,  so  greatly  do  they  all 
tremble  before  him  ; but  my  heart  within  was  sore  with 
dismal  grief.  And  now  fight  we  with  straight-set  resolve  and 
let  there  be  no  sparing  of  spears,  that  we  may  know  whether 
Achilles  is  to  slay  us  and  carry  our  bloody  spoils  to  the  hol- 
low ships,  or  whether  he  might  be  vanquished  by  thy  spear.” 

Thus  saying  Athene  in  her  subtlety  led  him  on.  And  when 
they  were  come  nigh  in  onset  on  one  another,  to  Achilles 
first  spake  great  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  : “No  longer, 
son  of  Peleus,  will  I fly  thee,  as  before  I thrice  ran  round 
the  great  town  of  Priam,  and  endured  not  to  await  thy 
onset.  Now  my  heart  biddeth  me  stand  up  against  thee  ; I 
will  either  slay  or  be  slain.  But  come  hither  and  let  us 
pledge  us  by  our  gods,  for  they  shall  be  best  witnesses  and 
beholders  of  covenants  : I will  entreat  thee  in  no  outrageous 
sort,  if  Zeus  grant  me  to  outstay  thee,  and  if  I take  thy  life, 
but  when  I have  despoiled  thee  of  thy  glorious  armour,  O 
Achilles,  I will  give  back  thy  dead  body  to  the  Achaians, 
and  do  thou  the  same.” 


442 


ILIAD  XXII,  260-290 


But  unto  him  with  grim  gaze  spake  Achilles  fleet  of  foot : 
“ Hector,  talk  not  to  me,  thou  madman,  of  covenants.  As 
between  men  and  lions  there  is  no  pledge  of  faith,  nor 
wolves  and  sheep  can  be  of  one  mind,  but  imagine  evil 
continually  against  each  other,  so  is  it  impossible  for  thee 
and  me  to  be  friends,  neither  shall  be  any  pledge  between 
us  until  one  or  other  shall  have  fallen  and  glutted  with  blood 
Ares,  the  stubborn  god  of  war.  Bethink  thee  of  all  thy 
soldiership  : now  behoveth  it  thee  to  quit  thee  as  a good 
spearman  and  valiant  man  of  war.  No  longer  is  there 
way  of  escape  for  thee,  but  Pallas  Athene  will  straightway 
subdue  thee  to  my  spear ; and  now  in  one  hour  shalt  thou 
pay  back  for  all  my  sorrows  for  my  friends  whom  thou  hast 
slain  in  the  fury  of  thy  spear.” 

He  said,  and  poised  his  far-shadowing  spear  and  hurled. 
And  noble  Hector  watched  the  coming  thereof  and  avoided 
it ; for  with  his  eye  on  it  he  crouched,  and  the  bronze  spear 
flew  over  him,  and  fixed  itself  in  the  earth  ; but  Pallas 
Athene  caught  it  up  and  gave  it  back  to  Achilles,  unknown 
of  Hector  shepherd  of  hosts.  Then  Hector  spake  unto 
the  noble  son  of  Peleus  : “ Thou  hast  missed,  so  no  wise 
yet,  godlike  Achilles,  hast  thou  known  from  Zeus  the  hour  of 
my  doom,  though  thou  thoughtest  it.  Cunning  of  tongue 
art  thou  and  a deceiver  in  speech,  that  fearing  thee  I might 
forget  my  valour  and  strength.  Not  as  I flee  Shalt  thou 
plant  thy  spear  in  my  reins,  but  drive  it  straight  through 
my  breast  as  I set  on  thee,  if  God  hath  given  thee  to  do 
it.  Now  in  thy  turn  avoid  my  spear  of  bronze.  O that 
thou  mightst  take  it  all  into  thy  flesh  ! Then  would  the 
war  be  lighter  to  the  Trojans,  if  but  thou  wert  dead,  for 
thou  art  their  greatest  bane.” 

He  said,  and  poised  his  long-shadowed  spear  and  hurled 
it,  and  smote  the  midst  of  the  shield  of  Peleus’  son,  and 


ILIAD  XXII,  290-324 


443 


missed  him  not : but  far  from  the  shield  the  spear  leapt 
back.  And  Hector  was  wroth  that  his  swift  weapon  had 
left  his  hand  in  vain,  and  he  stood  downcast,  for  he  had 
no  second  ashen  spear.  And  he  called  with  a loud  shout 
to  Deiphobos  of  the  white  shield,  and  asked  of  him  a long 
spear,  but  he  was  no  wise  nigh.  Then  Hector  knew  the 
truth  in  his  heart,  and  spake  and  said  : “ Ay  me,  now  verily 
the  gods  have  summoned  me  to  death.  I deemed  the 
warrior  Deiphobos  was  by  my  side,  but  he  is  within  the 
wall,  and  it  was  Athene  who  played  me  false.  Now 
therefore  is  evil  death  come  very  nigh  me,  not  far  off, 
nor  is  there  way  of  escape.  This  then  was  from  of  old 
the  pleasure  of  Zeus  and  of  the  far-darting  son  of  Zeus, 
who  yet  before  were  fain  to  succour  me  : but  now  my 
fate  hath  found  me.  At  least  let  me  not  die  without  a 
struggle  or  i'ngloriously,  but  in  some  great  deed  of  arms 
whereof  men  yet  to  be  born  shall  hear.” 

Thus  saying  he  drew  his  sharp  sword  that  by  his  flank 
hung  great  and  strong,  and  gathered  himself  and  swooped 
like  a soaring  that  darteth  tojbe  plain  through -the  dark 
rlouds  seize  a tpnripr  lamb  or  crouching  hare.  So  Hector 
swooped,  brandishing  his  sharp  sword.  And  Achilles  made  at 
him,  for  his  heart  was  filled  with  wild  fierceness,  and  before 
his  breast  he  made  a covering  with  his  fair  graven  shield,  and 
tossed  his  bright  four-plated  helm  ; and  round  it  waved  fair 
golden  plumes  [that  Hephaistos  had  set  thick  about  the 
crest]  As  a star  goeth  among  stars  in  the  darkness  of 
night,  Hesperos,  fairest  of  all  stars  set  in  heaven,  so  flashed 
there  forth  a light  from  the  keen  spear  Achilles  poised  in  his 
right  hand,  devising  mischief  against  noble  Hector,  eyeing 
his  fair  flesh  to  find  the  fittest  place.  Now  for  the  rest 
of  him  his  flesh  was  covered  by  the  fair  bronze  armour  he 
stripped  from  strong  Patroklos  when  he  slew  him,  but  there 


444 


ILIAD  XXII,  324-356 


was  an  opening  where  the  collar  bones  coming  from  the 
shoulders  clasp  the  neck,  even  at  the  gullet,  where  destruc- 
tion of  life  cometh  quickliest ; there,  as  he  came  on,  noble 
Achilles  drave  at  him  with  his  spear,  and  right  through 
the  tender  neck  went  the  point.  Yet  the  bronze-weighted 
ashen  spear  clave  not  the  windpipe,  so  that  he  might  yet 
speak  words  of  answer  to  his  foe.  And  he  fell  down  in  the 
dust,  and  noble  Achilles  spake  exultingly  : “ Hector,  thou 
thoughtest,  whilst  thou  wert  spoiling  Patroklos,  that  thou 
wouldst  be  safe,  and  didst  reck  nothing  of  me  who  was  afar, 
thou  fool.  But  away  among  the  hollow  ships  his  comrade, 
a mightier  far,  even  I,  was  left  behind,  who  now  have  un- 
strung thy  knees.  Thee  shall  dogs  and  birds  tear  foully,  but 
his  funeral  shall  the  Achaians  make.” 

Then  with  faint  breath  spake  unto  him  Hector  of  the 
glancing  helm  : “ I pray  thee  by  thy  life  and  knees  and 
parents  leave  me  not  for  dogs  of  the  Achaians  to  devour 
by  the  ships,  but  take  good  store  of  bronze  and  gold,  gifts 
that  my  father  and  lady  mother  shall  give  to  thee,  and 
give  them  home  my  body  back  again,  that  the  Trojans  and 
Trojans’  wives  give  me  my  due  of  fire  after  my  death.” 

But  unto  him  with  grim  gaze  spake  Achilles  fleet  of  foot : 
“ Entreat  me  not,  dog,  by  knees  or  parents.  Would  that 
my  heart’s  desire  could  so  bid  me  myself  to  carve  and  eat  raw 
thy  flesh,  for  the  evil  thou  hast  wrought  me,  as  surely  is  there 
none  that  shall  keep  the  dogs  from  thee,  not  even  should  they 
bring  ten  or  twenty  fold  ransom  and  here  weigh  it  out,  and 
promise  even  more,  not  even  were  Priam  Dardanos’  son  to 
bid  pay  thy  weight  in  gold,  not  even  so  shall  thy  lady  mother 
lay  thee  on  a bed  to  mourn  her  son,  but  dogs  and  birds  shall 
devour  thee  utterly.” 

Then  dying  spake  unto  him  Hector  of  the  glancing 
helm  : “ Verily  I know  thee  and  behold  thee  as  thou  art, 


ILIAD  XXII,  356-390 


445 


oor  was  I destined  to  persuade  thee  ; truly  thy  heart  is  iron 
in  thy  breast.  Take  heed  now  lest  I draw  upon  thee  wrath 
of  gods,  in  the  day  when  Paris  and  Phoebus  Apollo  slay  thee, 
for  all  thy  valour,  at  the  Skaian  gate.” 

He  ended,  and  the  shadow  of  death  came  down  upon 
him,  and  his  soul  flew  forth  of  his  limbs  and  was  gone  to 
the  house  of  Hades,  wailing  her  fate,  leaving  her  vigour  and 
youth.  Then  to  the  dead  man  spake  noble  Achilles : 
“ Die  : for  my  death,  I will  accept  it  whensoever  Zeus  and 
the  other  immortal  gods  are  minded  to  accomplish  it.” 

He  said,  and  from  the  corpse  drew  forth  his  bronze 
spear,  and  set  it  aside,  and  stripped  the  bloody  armour  from 
the  shoulders.  And  other  sons  of  Achaians  ran  up  around, 
who  gazed  upon  the  stature  and  marvellous  goodliness  of 
Hector.  Nor  did  any  stand  by  but  wounded  him,  and  thus 
would  many  a man  say  looking  toward  his  neighbour : 
“ Go  to,  of  a truth  far  easier  to  handle  is  Hector  now 
than  when  he  burnt  the  ships  with  blazing  fire.”  Thus 
would  many  a man  say,  and  wound  him  as  he  stood  hard 
by.  And  when  fleet  noble  Achilles  had  despoiled  him, 
he  stood  up  among  the  Achaians  and  spake  wunged  words : 
“ Friends,  chiefs  and  counsellors  of  the  Argives,  since  the 
gods  have  vouchsafed  us  to  vanquish  this  man  who  hath 
done  us  more  evil  than  all  the  rest  together,  come  let 
us  make  trial  in  arms  round  about  the  city,  that  we  may 
know  somewhat  of  the  Trojans’  purpose,  whether  since 
he  hath  fallen  they  will  forsake  the  citadel,  or  whether  they 
are  minded  to  abide,  albeit  Hector  is  no  more.  But 
wherefore  doth  my  heart  debate  thus  ? There  lieth  by 
the  ships  a dead  man  unbewailed,  unburied,  Patroklos ; 
him  will  I not  forget,  while  I abide  among  the  living  and  my 
knees  can  stir.  Nay  if  even  in  the  house  of  Hades  the  dead 
forget  their  dead,  yet  will  I even  there  be  mindful  of  my 


44-6  ILIAD  XXII,  390-424 

dear  comrade.  But  come,  ye  sons  of  the  Achaians,  let  us 
now,  singing  our  song  of  victory,  go  back  to  the  hollow 
ships  and  take  with  us  our  foe.  Great  glory  have  we  won ; 
we  have  slain  the  noble  Hector,  unto  whom  the  Trojans 
prayed  throughout  their  city,  as  he  had  been  a god.” 

He  said,  and  devised  foul  entreatment  of  noble  Hectoi 
The  tendons  of  both  feet  behind  he  slit  from  heel  tc 
ankle-joint,  and  thrust  therethrough  thongs  of  ox-hide,  and 
bound  him  to  his  chariot,  leaving  his  head  to  trail.  And 
when  he  had  mounted  the  chariot  and  lifted  therein  the 
famous  armour,  he  lashed  his  horses  to  speed,  and  thej 
nothing  loth  flew  on.  And  dust  rose  around  him  that  was 
dragged,  and  his  dark  hair  flowed  loose  on  either  side,  and 
in  the  dust  lay  all  his  once  fair  head,  for  now  had  Zeus  given 
him  over  to  his  foes  to  entreat  foully  in  his  own  native  land. 

Thus  was  his  head  all  grimed  with  dust  But  his  mother 
when  she  beheld  her  son,  tore  her  hair  and  cast  far  from 
her  her  shining  veil,  and  cried  aloud  with  an  exceeding  bitter 
cry.  And  piteously  moaned  his  father,  and  around  them  the 
folk  fell  to  crying  and  moaning  throughout  the  town.  Most 
like  it  seemed  as  though  all  beetling  Ilios  were  burning  utterly 
in  fire.  Scarcely  could  the  folk  keep  back  the  old  man  in  his 
hot  desire  to  get  him  forth  of  the  Dardanian  gates.  For  he 
besought  them  all,  casting  himself  down  in  the  mire,  and 
calling  on  each  man  by  his  name : “ Hold,  friends,  and 
though  you  love  me  leave  me  to  get  me  forth  of  the  city 
alone  and  go  unto  the  ships  of  the  Achaians.  Let  me 
pray  this  accursed  horror- working  man,  if  haply  he  may 
feel  shame  before  his  age-fellows  and  pity  an  old  man.  He 
also  hath  a father  such  as  I am,  Peleus,  who  begat  and 
reared  him  to  be  a bane  of  Trojans — and  most  of  all  to  me 
hath  he  brought  woe.  So  many  sons  of  mine  hath  he  slain 
in  their  flower — yet  for  all  my  sorrow  for  the  rest  I mourn 


447 


ILIAD  XXII,  424-455 

them  all  less  than  this  one  alone,  for  whom  my  sharp  grief 
will  bring  me  down  to  the  house  of  Hades — even  Hector. 
Would  that  he  had  died  in  my  arms  ; then  would  we  have 
wept  and  wailed  our  fill,  his  mother  who  bore  him  to  her  ill 
hap,  and  I myself.” 

Thus  spake  he  wailing,  and  all  the  men  of  the  city  made 
moan  with  him.  And  among  the  women  of  Troy,  Hekabe 
led  the  wild  lament : “ My  child,  ah,  woe  is  me  ! wherefore 
should  I live  in  my  pain,  now  thou  art  dead,  who  night  and 
day  wert  my  boast  through  the  city,  and  blessing  to  all,  both 
men  and  women  of  Troy  throughout  the  town,  who  hailed 
thee  as  a god,  for  verily  an  exceeding  glory  to  them  wert 
thou  in  thy  life : — now  death  and  fate  have  overtaken 
thee.” 

Thus  spake  she  wailing.  But  Hector’s  wife  knew  not  as 
yet,  for  no  true  messenger  had  come  to  tell  her  how  her 
husband  abode  without  the  gates,  but  in  an  inner  chamber 
of  the  lofty  house  she  was  weaving  a double  purple  web,  and 
broidering  therein  manifold  flowers.  Then  she  called  to  her 
goodly-haired  handmaids  through  the  house  to  set  a great 
tripod  on  the  fire,  that  Hector  might  have  warm  washing 
when  he  came  home  out  of  the  battle — fond  heart,  and  was 
unaware  how,  far  from  all  washings,  bright-eyed  Athene  had 
slain  him  by  the  hand  of  Achilles.  But  she  heard  shrieks 
and  groans  from  the  battlements,  and  her  limbs  reeled,  and 
the  shuttle  fell  from  her  hands  to  earth.  Then  again  among 
her  goodly-haired  maids  she  spake  : “ Come  two  of  ye  this 
way  with  me  that  I may  see  what  deeds  are  done.  It  was 
the  voice  of  my  husband’s  noble  mother  that  I heard,  and 
in  my  own  breast  my  heart  leapeth  to  my  mouth  and  my 
knees  are  numbed  beneath  me : surely  some  evil  thing  is  at 
hand  against  the  children  of  Priam.  Would  that  such  word 
might  never  reach  my  ear ! yet  terribly  I dread  lest  noble 


448 


ILIAD  XXII,  455-489 


Achilles  have  cut  off  bold  Hector  from  the  city  by  himself 
and  chased  him  to  the  plain  and  ere  this  ended  his  perilous 
pride  that  possessed  him,  for  never  would  he  tarry  among 
the  throng  of  men  but  ran  out  before  them  far,  yielding 
place  to  no  man  in  his  hardihood.” 

Thus  saying  she  sped  through  the  chamber  like  one  mad, 
with  beating  heart,  and  with  her  went  her  handmaidens. 
But  when  she  came  to  the  battlements  and  the  throng  of 
men,  she  stood  still  upon  the  wall  and  gazed,  and  beheld 
him  dragged  before  the  city : — swift  horses  dragged  him  reck- 
lessly toward  the  hollow  ships  of  the  Achaians.  Then  dark 
night  came  on  her  eyes  and  shrouded  her,  and  she  fell  back- 
ward and  gasped  forth  her  spirit  From  off  her  head  she 
shook  the  bright  attiring  thereof,  frontlet  and  net  and  woven 
band,  and  veil,  the  veil  that  golden  Aphrodite  gave  her  on 
the  day  when  Hector  of  the  glancing  helm  led  her  forth 
of  the  house  of  Eetion,  having  given  bride  - gifts  untold. 
And  around  her  thronged  her  husband’s  sisters  and  his 
brothers’  wives,  who  held  her  up  among  them,  distraught 
even  to  death.  But  when  at  last  she  came  to  herself  and 
her  soul  returned  into  her  breast,  then  wailing  with  deep 
sobs  she  spake  among  the  women  of  Troy:  “O  Hector, 
woe  is  me ! to  one  fate  then  were  we  both  born,  thou  in 
Troy  in  the  house  of  Priam,  and  I in  Thebe  under  woody 
Plakos,  in  the  house  of  Eetion,  who  reared  me  from  a little 
one — ill-fated  sire  of  cruel-fated  child.  Ah,  would  he  had 
begotten  me  not  Now  thou  to  the  house  of  Hades  beneath 
the  secret  places  of  the  earth  departest,  and  me  in  bitter 
mourning  thou  leavest  a widow  in  thy  halls  : and  thy  son 
is  but  an  infant  child — son  of  unhappy  parents,  thee  and 
me — nor  shalt  thou  profit  him,  Hector,  since  thou  art  dead, 
neither  he  thee.  For  even  if  he  escape  the  Achaians’  woful 
war,  yet  shall  labour  and  sorrow  cleave  unto  him  hereafter, 


ILIAD  XXII,  489-515 


449 


or  other  men  shall  seize1  his  lands.  The  day  of  orphanage 
;undereth  a child  from  his  fellows,  and  his  head  is  bowed 
iown  ever,  and  his  cheeks  are  wet  with  tears.  And  in  his 
leed  the  child  seeketh  his  father’s  friends,  plucking  this  one 
}y  cloak  and  that  by  coat,  and  one  of  them  that  pity  him 
boldeth  his  cup  a little  to  his  mouth,  and  moisteneth  his 
lips,  but  his  palate  he  moisteneth  not.  And  some  child 
unorphaned  thrusteth  him  from  the  feast  with  blows  and 
taunting  words,  ‘ Out  with  thee  ! no  father  of  thine  is  at  our 
board.’  Then  weeping  to  his  widowed  mother  shall  he 
return,  even  Astyanax,  who  erst  upon  his  father’s  knee  ate 
only  marrow  and  fat  flesh  of  sheep ; and  when  sleep  fell 
on  him  and  he  ceased  from  childish  play,  then  in  bed  in  his 
nurse’s  arms  he  would  slumber  softly  nested,  having  satisfied 
his  heart  with  good  things ; but  now  that  he  hath  lost  his 
father  he  will  suffer  many  ills,  Astyanax  — that  name  the 
Trojans  gave  him,  because  thou  only  wert  the  defence  of 
their  gates  and  their  long  walls.  But  now  by  the  beaked 
ships,  far  from  thy  parents,  shall  coiling  worms  devour  thee 
when  the  dogs  have  had  their  fill,  as  thou  liest  naked ; yet 
in  these  halls  lieth  raiment  of  thine,  delicate  and  fair,  -wrought 
by  the  hands  of  women.  But  verily  all  these  will  I consume 
with  burning  fire — to  thee  no  profit,  since  thou  wilt  never 
lie  therein,  yet  that  this  be  honour  to  thee  from  the  men  and 
the  women  of  Troy.” 

Thus  spake  she  wailing,  and  the  women  joined  their 
moan. 

1 Reading  anovpri<rovaw.  With  the  alternative  uirovplGGMGt.r,  tbs 
. meaning  is,  “shall  remove  his  landmarks.” 


BOOK  XXIII. 


Of  the  funeral  of  Patroklos,  and  the  funeral  games. 

Thus  they  throughout  the  city  made  moan:  but  the  Achaians 
when  they  were  come  to  the  ships  and  to  the  Hellespont 
were  scattered  each  to  his  own  ship : only  the  Myrmidons 
Achilles  suffered  not  to  be  scattered,  but  spake  among  his 
comrades  whose  delight  was  in  war:  “ Fleet-  horsed  Myr- 
midons, my  trusty  comrades,  let  us  not  yet  unyoke  our 
whole-hooved  steeds  from  their  cars,  but  with  horses  and 
chariots  let  us  go  near  and  mourn  Patroklos,  for  such  is  the 
honour  of  the  dead.  Then  when  we  have  our  fill  of  grievous 
wailing,  we  will  unyoke  the  horses  and  all  sup  here.” 

He  said,  and  they  with  one  accord  made  lamentation, 
and  Achilles  led  their  mourning.  So  thrice  around  the  dead 
they  drave  their  well-maned  steeds,  moaning;  and  Thetis 
stirred  among  them  desire  of  wailing.  Bedewed  were  the 
sands  with  tears,  bedewed  the  warriors’  ajms ; so  great  a 
lord  of  fear  they  sorrowed  for.  And  Peleus’  son  led  their 
loud  wail,  laying  his  man-slaying  hands  on  his  comrade’s 
breast : “ All  hail,  Patroklos,  even  in  the  house  of  Hades ; 
for  all  that  I promised  thee  before  am  I accomplishing, 
seeing  I have  dragged  hither  Hector  to  give  raw  unto  dogs 
to  devour,  and  twelve  noble  children  of  the  Trojans  to 
slaughter  before  thy  pyre,  because  of  mine  anger  at  thy 
slaying.” 


ILIAD  XXIII,  24-58 


45i 


He  said,  and  devised  foul  entreatment  of  noble  Hector, 
stretching  him  prone  in  the  dust  beside  the  bier  of  Menoitios’ 
son.  And  the  rest  put  off  each  his  glittering  bronze  anus, 
and  unyoked  their  high-neighing  horses,  and  sate  them  down 
numberless  beside  the  ship  of  fleet-footed  Aiakides,  and 
he  gave  them  ample  funeral  feast.  Many  sleek  oxen  were 
stretched  out,  their  throats  cut  with  steel,  and  many  sheep 
and  bleating  goats,  and  many  white-tusked  boars  well  grown 
in  fat  were  spitted  to  singe  in  the  flame  of  Hephaistos ; so 
on  all  sides  round  the  corpse  in  cupfuls  blood  was  flowing. 

But  the  fleet-footed  prince,  the  son  of  Peleus,  was  brought 
to  noble  Agamemnon  by  the  Achaian  chiefs,  hardly  persuading 
him  thereto,  for  his  heart  was  wroth  for  his  comrade.  And 
when  they  were  come  to  Agamemnon’s  hut,  forthwith  they 
bade  clear-voiced  heralds  set  a great  tripod  on  the  fire,  if 
haply  they  might  persuade  the  son  of  Peleus  to  wash  from 
him  the  bloody  gore.  But  he  denied  them  steadfastly,  and 
sware  moreover  an  oath:  “Nay,  verily  by  Zeus,  who  is 
highest  and  best  of  gods,  not  lawful  is  it  that  water  should 
come  nigh  my  head  or  ever  I shall  have  laid  Patroklos  on 
the  fire,  and  heaped  a barrow,  and  shaved  my  hair,  since 
never  again  shall  second  grief  thus  reach  my  heart,  while  I 
remain  among  the  living.  Yet  now  for  the  present  let  us 
yield  us  to  our  mournful  meal : but  with  the  morning,  O king 
of  men  Agamemnon,  rouse  the  folk  to  bring  wood  and 
furnish  all  that  it  beseemeth  a dead  man  to  have  when  he 
goeth  beneath  the  misty  gloom,  to  the  end  that  untiring  fire 
may  burn  him  quickly  from  sight,  and  the  host  betake  them 
to  their  work.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  listened  readily  to  him  and 
obeyed,  and  eagerly  making  ready  each  his  meal  they  supped, 
and  no  lack  had  their  soul  of  equal  feast.  But  when  they 
had  put  off  from  them  the  desire  of  meat  and  drink,  the  rest 


452 


ILIAD  XXIII,  5S-92 


went  down  each  man  to  his  tent  to  take  his  rest,  but  the  son 
of  Peleus  upon  the  beach  of  the  sounding  sea  lay  groaning 
heavily,  amid  the  host  of  Myrmidons,  in  an  open  place,  where 
waves  were  breaking  on  the  shore.  Now  when  sleep  took  hold 
on  him,  easing  the  cares  of  his  heart,  deep  sleep  that  fell  about 
him,  (for  sore  tired  were  his  glorious  knees  with  onset  upon 
Hector  toward  windy  Ilios),  then  came  there  unto  him  the 
spirit  of  hapless  Patroklos,  in  all  things  like  his  living  self,  in 
stature,  and  fair  eyes,  and  voice,  and  the  raiment  of  his  body 
was  the  same ; and  he  stood  above  Achilles’  head  and  spake 
to  him  : “Thou  sleepest,  and  hast  forgotten  me,  O Achilles. 
Not  in  my  life  wast  thou  ever  unmindful  of  me,  but  in  my 
death.  Bury  me  with  all  speed,  that  I pass  the  gates  of  Hades. , 
Far  off  the  spirits  banish  me,  the  phantoms  of  men  outworn,  ^ 
nor  suffer  me  to  mingle  with  them  beyond  the  River,  but 
vainly  I wander  along  the  wide-gated  dwelling  of  Hades 
Now  give  me,  I pray  pitifully  of  thee,  thy  hand,  for  never  more 
again  shall  I come  back  from  Hades,  when  ye  have  given  me 
my  due  of  fire.  Never  among  the  living  shall  we  sit  apart 
from  our  dear  comrades  and  take  counsel  together,  but  me 
hath  the  harsh  fate  swallowed  up  which  was  appointed  me 
even  from  my  birth.  Yea  and  thou  too  thyself,  Achilles  peer 
of  gods,  beneath  the  wall  of  the  noble  Trojans  art  doomed  to 
die.  Yet  one  thing  will  I say,  and  charge  thee,  if  haply  thou 
wilt  have  regard  thereto.  Lay  not  my  bones  apart  from  thine, 
Achilles,  but  together,  even  as  we  were  nurtured  in  your 
house,  when  Menoitios  brought  me  yet  a little  one  from 
Opoeis  to  your  country  by  reason  of  a grievous  man-slaying, 
on  the  day  when  I slew  Amphidamas’  son,  not  willing  it,  in 
childish  wrath  over  the  dice.  Then  took  me  the  knight 
Peleus  into  his  house  and  reared  me  kindly  and  named  me 
thy  squire:  so  therefore  let  one  coffer  hide  our  bones, 
[a  golden  coffer,  two  handled,  thy  lady  mother’s  gift].” 


ILIAD  XXIII,  93-125 


453 


Then  made  answer  unto  him  Achilles  fleet  of  foot : 
"Wherefore,  0 my  brother,  hast  thou  come  hither,  and 
chargest  me  everything  that  I should  do?  Verily  I will 
accomplish  all,  and  have  regard  unto  thy  bidding.  But 
stand  more  nigh  me ; for  one  moment  let  us  throw  our  arms 
around  each  other,  and  take  our  fill  of  dolorous  lament.” 

He  spake,  and  reached  forth  with  his  hands,  but  clasped 
him  not ; for  like  a vapour  the  spirit  was  gone  beneath  the 
earth  with  a faint  shriek.  And  Achilles  sprang  up  marvel- 
ling, and  smote  his  hands  together,  and  spake  a word  of 
woe : “ Ay  me,  there  remaineth  then  even  in  the  house  of 
Hades  a spirit  and  phantom  of  the  dead,  albeit  the  life 
be  not  anywise  therein : for  all  night  long  hath  the  spirit  of 
hapless  Patroklos  stood  over  me,  wailing  and  making  moan, 
and  charged  me  everything  that  I should  do,  and  wondrous 
■like  his  living  self  it  seemed.” 

Thus  said  he,  and  stirred  in  all  of  them  yearning  to  make 
lament ; and  rosy-fingered  Morn  shone  forth  on  them  while 
they  still  made  moan  around  the  piteous  corpse.  Then  lord 

i Agamemnon  sped  mules  and  men  from  all  the  huts  to  fetch 
wood ; and  a man  of  valour  watched  thereover,  even  Merl 
ones,  squire  of  kindly  Idomeneus.  And  they  went  forth 
with  wood-cutting  axes  in  their  hands  and  well-woven  ropes, 
and  before  them  went  the  mules,  and  uphill  and  downhill 
and  sideways  and  across  they  went.  But  when  they  came 
to  the  spurs  of  many-fountained  Ida,  straightway  they  set 
them  lustily  to  hew  high-foliaged  oaks  with  the  long-edged 
bronze,  and  with  loud  noise  fell  the  trees.  Then  splitting 
them  asunder  the  Achaians  bound  them  behind  the  mules, 
and  they  tore  up  the  earth  with  their  feet  as  they  made  foi 
the  plain  through  the  thick  underwood.  And  all  the  wood- 
cutters bare  logs ; for  thus  bade  Meriones,  squire  of  kindly 
Idomeneus.  And  on  the  shore  they  threw  them  down  in 


454  ILIAD  XXIII,  125-155 

line,  where  Achilles  purposed  a mighty  tomb  for  Patroldo: 
and  for  himself. 

Then  when  they  had  laid  down  all  about  great  piles  0 
wood,  they  sate  them  down  all  together  and  abode.  Ther 
straightway  Achilles  bade  the  warlike  Myrmidons  gird  or 
their  arms,  and  each  yoke  the  horses  to  his  chariot ; anc 
they  arose  and  put  their  armour  on,  and  mounted  theii 
chariots,  both  fighting  men  and  charioteers.  In  front  wert 
the  men  in  chariots,  and  a cloud  of  footmen  followed  after, 
numberless ; and  in  the  midst  his  comrades  bare  Patroklos. 
And  they  heaped  all  the  corpse  with  their  hair  that  they  cul 
off  and  threw  thereon ; and  behind  did  goodly  Achilles  beai 
the  head,  sorrowing ; for  a noble  comrade  was  he  speeding 
forth  unto  the  realm  of  Hades. 

And  when  they  came  to  the  place  where  Achilles  had 
bidden  them,  they  set  down  the  dead,  and  piled  for  him 
abundant  wood.  Then  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles  bethought 
him  »f  one  thing  more:  standing  apart  from  the  pyre  he1 
shore  off  a golden  lock,  the  lock  whose  growth  he  nursed  to 
offer  unto  the  River  Spercheios,  and  sore  troubled  spake  he, 
looking  forth  over  the  wine-dark  sea : “ Spercheios,  in  other 
wise  vowed  my  father  Peleus  unto  thee  that  I returning 
thither  to  my  native  land  should  shear  my  hair  for  thee  and 
offer  a holy  hecatomb,  and  fifty  rams  should  sacrifice  there 
above  thy  springs,  where  is  thy  sacred  close  and  altar  burning 
spice.  So  vowed  the  old  man,  but  thou  hast  not  accom- 
plished him  his  desire.  And  now  since  I return  not  to  my 
dear  native  land,  unto  the  hero  Patroklos  I may  give  this 
hair  to  take  away.” 

Thus  saying  he  set  the  hair  in  the  hands  of  his  dear; 
comrade,  and  stirred  in  all  of  them  yearning  to  make  lament 
And  so  would  the  light  of  the  sun  have  gone  down  on  their 
lamentation,  had  not  Achilles  said  quickly  to  Agamemnon 


ILIAD  XXIII,  155-187 


455 


as  he  stood  beside  him  : “ Son  of  Atreus — for  to  thy  words 
most  will  the  host  of  the  Achaians  have  regard — of  lamenta- 
tion they  may  sate  them  to  the  full.  But  now  disperse  them 
from  the  burning  and  bid  them  make  ready  their  meal,  and 
we  to  whom  the  dead  is  dearest  will  take  pains  for  these 
things ; yet  let  the  chiefs  tarry  nigh  unto  us.” 

Then  when  Agamemnon  king  of  men  heard  that,  he 
forthwith  dispersed  the  host  among  the  trim  ships,  but  the 
nearest  to  the  dead  tarried  there  and  piled  the  wood,  and 
made  a pyre  a hundred  feet  this  way  and  that,  and  on  the 
pyre’s  top  set  the  corpse,  with  anguish  at  their  hearts.  And 
many  lusty  sheep  and  shambling  crook-horned  oxen  they 
flayed  and  made  ready  before  the  pyre ; and  taking  from  all 
of  them  the  fat,  great-hearted  Achilles  wrapped  the  corpse 
therein  from  head  to  foot,  and  heaped  the  flayed  bodies 
round.  And  he  set  therein  two-handled  jars  of  honey  and 
oil,  leaning  them  against  the  bier ; and  four  strong-necked 
horses  he  threw  swiftly  on  the  pyre,  and  groaned  aloud. 
Nine  house-dogs  had  the  dead  chief:  of  them  did  Achilles 
slay  twain  and  throw  them  on  the  pyre.  And  twelve  valiant 
| sons  of  great-hearted  Trojans  he  slew  with  the  sword — for 
he  devised  mischief  in  his  heart — and  he  set  to  the  merci- 
less might  of  the  fire,  to  feed  thereon.  Then  moaned  he 
aloud,  and  called  on  his  dear  comrade  by  his  name : “ All 
i hail  to  thee,  O Patroklos,  even  in  the  house  of  Hades,  for 
all  that  I promised  thee  before  am  I now  accomplishing. 
Twelve  valiant  sons  of  great-hearted  Trojans,  behold  these 
all  in  company  with  thee  the  fire  devoureth  : but  Hector  son 
of  Priam  will  I nowise  give  to  the  fire  to  feed  upon,  but  to 
dogs.” 

Thus  spake  he  threatening,  but  no  dogs  might  deal  with 
Hector,  for  day  and  night  Aphrodite  daughter  of  Zeus  kept 
off  the  dogs,  and  anointed  him  with  rose-sweet  oil  ambrosial 


456  ILIAD  XXIII,  187-220 

that  Achilles  might  not  tear  him  when  he  dragged  him.  And 
over  him  Phoebus  Apollo  brought  a dark  cloud  from  heaven 
to  earth  and  covered  all  that  place  whereon  the  dead  man 
lay,  lest  meanwhile  the  sun’s  strength  shrivel  his  flesh  round 
about  upon  his  sinews  and  limbs. 

But  the  pyre  of  dead  Patroklos  kindled  not.  Then 
fleet-footed  noble  Achilles  had  a further  thought : standing 
aside  from  the  pyre  he  prayed  to  the  two  Winds  of  North  and 
West,  and  promised  them  fair  offerings,  and  pouring  large 
libations  from  a golden  cup  besought  them  to  come,  that  ; I 
the  corpses  might  blaze  up  speedily  in  the  fire,  and  the  ! 
wood  make  haste  to  be  enkindled.  Then  Iris,  when  she] 
heard  his  prayer,  went  swiftly  with  the  message  to  the 
Winds.  They  within  the  house  of  the  gusty  West  Wind 
were  feasting  all  together  at  meat,  when  Iris  sped  thither,  '■ 
and  halted  on  the  threshold  of  stone.  And  when  they  saw 
her  with  their  eyes,  they  sprang  up  and  called  to  her  every 
one  to  sit  by  him.  But  she  refused  to  sit,  and  spake  her 
word  : “No  seat  for  me ; I must  go  back  to  the  streams  of  3 
Ocean,  to  the  Ethiopians’  land  where  they  sacrifice  heca- 1 
tombs  to  the  immortal  gods,  that  I too  may  feast  at  their 
rites.  But  Achilles  is  praying  the  North  Wind  and  the  loud  > 
West  to  come,  and  promising  them  fair  offerings,  that  ye  r 
may  make  the  pyre  be  kindled  whereon  lieth  Patroklos,  for  ( 
whom  all  the  Achaians  are  making  moan.” 

She  having  thus  said  departed,  and  they  arose  with  a | 
mighty  sound,  rolling  the  clouds  before  them.  And  swiftly  I 
they  came  blowing  over  the  sea,  and  the  wave  rose  beneath  I 
their  shrill  blast ; and  they  came  to  deep-soiled  Troy,  and  1 
fell  upon  the  pile,  and  loudly  roared  the  mighty  tire.  So  i< 
all  night  drave  they  the  flame  of  the  pyre  together,  olowing  j' 
shrill ; and  all  night  fleet  Achilles,  holding  a two-handled  '■ 
cup,  drew'  wine  from  a golden  bowl,  and  poured  it  forth  and 


ILIAD  XXIII,  220-254 


457 


drenched  the  earth,  calling  upon  the  spirit  of  hapless  Patro- 
klos.  As  a father  waileth  when  he  burneth  the  bones  of  his 
son,  new-married,  whose  death  is  woe  to  his  hapless  parents, 
so  wailed  Achilles  as  he  burnt  the  bones  of  his  comrade, 
going  heavily  round  the  burning  pile,  with  many  moans. 

But  at  the  hour  when  the  Morning  Star  goeth  forth  to 
herald  light  upon  the  earth,  the  star  that  saffron-mantled 
Dawn  cometh  after,  and  spreadeth  over  the  salt  sea,  then 
grew  the  burning  faint,  and  the  flame  died  down.  And  the 
Winds  went  back  again  to  betake  them  home  over  the 
Thracian  main,  and  it  roared  with  a violent  swell.  Then 
the  son  of  Peleus  turned  away  from  the  burning  and  lay 
down  wearied,  and  sweet  sleep  leapt  on  him.  But  they  who 
were  with  Atreus’  son  gathered  all  together,  and  the  noise 
and  clash  of  their  approach  aroused  him ; and  he  sate 
upright  and  spake  a word  to  them  : “ Son  of  Atreus  and 
ye  other  chiefs  of  the  Achaians,  first  quench  with  gleaming 
wine  all  the  burning  so  far  as  the  fire’s  strength  hath  reached, 
and  then  let  us  gather  up  the  bones  of  Patroklos,  Menoitios’ 
son,  singling  them  well,  and  easy  are  they  to  discern,  for  he 
lay  in  the  middle  of  the  pyre,  while  the  rest  apart  at  the  edge 
burnt  confusedly,  horses  and  men.  And  his  bones  let  us 
put  within  a golden  urn,  and  double-folded  fat,  until  that  I 
myself  be  hidden  in  Hades.  But  no  huge  barrow  I bid  you 
toil  to  raise — a seemly  one,  no  more  : then  afterward  do  ye 
Achaians  build  it  broad  and  high,  whosoever  of  you  after 
I am  gone  may  be  left  in  the  benched  ships.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  hearkened  to  the  fleet-footed 
son  of  Peleus.  First  quenched  they  with  gleaming  wine  the 
burning  so  far  as  the  flame  went,  and  the  ash  had  settled 
deep : then  with  lamentation  they  gathered  up  the  white 
bones  of  their  gentle  comrade  into  a golden  urn  and  double- 
folded  fat,  and  placed  the  urn  in  the  hut  and  covered  it  with 


45^ 


ILIAD  XXIII,  254-286 

a linen  veil.  And  they  marked  the  circle  of  the  barrow,  and 
set  the  foundations  thereof  around  the  pyre,  and  straightway 
heaped  thereon  a heap  of  earth.  Then  when  they  had 
heaped  up  the  barrow  they  were  for  going  back.  But 
Achilles  stayed  the  folk  in  that  place,  and  made  them  sit  in 
wide  assembly,  and  from  his  ships  he  brought  forth  prizes, 
caldrons  and  tripods,  and  horses  and  mules  and  strong 
oxen,  and  fair-girdled  women,  and  grey  iron. 

First  for  fleet  chariot -racers  he  ordained  a noble  prize, 
a woman  skilled  in  fair  handiwork  for  the  winner  to  lead 
home,  and  an  eared  tripod  that  held  two-and-twenty  measures; 
these  for  the  first  man ; and  for  the  second  he  ordained  a 
six-year-old  mare  unbroke,  with  a mule  foal  in  her  womb ; 
and  for  the  third  he  gave  a goodly  caldron  yet  untouched  by 
fire,  holding  four  measures,  bright  as  when  first  made ; and 
for  the  fourth  he  ordained  two  talents  of  gold ; and  for  the 
fifth  a two-handled  urn  untouched  of  fire.  Then  he  stood 
up  and  spake  a word  among  the  Argives : “ Son  of  Atreus 
and  ye  other  well-greaved  Achaians,  for  the  chariot-racers 
these  prizes  lie  awaiting  them  in  the  lists.  If  in  some  other’s 
honour  we  Achaians  were  now  holding  our  games,  it  would 
be  I who  should  win  the  first  prize  and  bear  it  to  my  hut ; for 
ye  know  how  far  my  pair  of  horses  are  first  in  excellence,  for 
they  are  immortal,  and  Poseidon  gave  them  to  my  father 
Peleus,  and  he  again  to  me.  But  verily  I will  abide,  I and 
my  whole-hooved  horses,  so  glorious  a charioteer  have  they 
lost,  and  one  so  kind,  who  on  their  manes  full  often  poured 
smooth  oil,  when  he  had  washed  them  in  clear  water.  For 
him  they  stand  and  mourn,  and  their  manes  are  trailing  on 
the  ground,  and  there  stand  they  with  sorrow  at  their  hearts. 
But  ye  others  throughout  the  host  get  ye  to  your  places, 
whosoever  of  the  Achaians  hath  trust  in  his  horses  and  firm* 
jointed  car.” 


ILIAD  XXIII,  287-322 


459 


Thus  spake  the  son  of  Peleus,  and  the  fleet  chariot- 
racers  were  gathered.  First  of  all  arose  up  Eumelos  king  of 
men,  Admetos’  son,  a skilful  charioteer;  and  next  to  him 
arose  Tydeus’  son,  valiant  Diomedes,  and  yoked  his  horses 
of  the  breed  of  Tros,  which  on  a time  he  seized  from 
Aineias,  when  Apollo  saved  their  lord.  And  after  him  arose 
Atreus’  son,  fair-haired  heaven-sprung  Menelaos,  and  yoked 
him  a swift  pair,  Aithe,  Agamemnon’s  mare,  and  his  own 
horse  Podargos.  Her  unto  Agamemnon  did  Anchises’  son 
Echepolos  give  in  fee,  that  he  might  escape  from  following 
him  to  windy  Ilios  and  take  his  pleasure  at  home ; for  great 
wealth  had  Zeus  given  him,  and  he  dwelt  in  Sikyon  of 
spacious  lawns  : — so  Menelaos  yoked  her,  and  she  longed  ex- 
' ceedingly  for  the  race.  And  fourth,  Antilochos  made  ready 
his  fair-maned  horses,  even  the  noble  son  of  Nestor,  high- 
hearted king,  who  was  the  son  of  Neleus ; and  fleet  horses 
bred  at  Pylos  drew  his  car.  And  his  father  standing  by  his 
side  spake  counselling  him  to  his  profit,  though  himself  was 
well  advised:  “Antilochos,  verily  albeit  thou  art  young, 
Zeus  and  Poseidon  have  loved  thee  and  taught  thee  all 
skill  with  horses ; wherefore  to  teach  thee  is  no  great  need, 
for  thou  well  knowest  how  to  wheel  round  the  post ; yet  are 
thy  horses  very  slow  in  the  race : therefore  methinks  there 
will  be  sad  work  for  thee.  For  the  horses  of  the  others  are 
fleeter,  yet  the  men  know  not  more  cunning  than  thou  hast. 
So  come,  dear  son,  store  thy  mind  with  all  manner  of 
; cunning,  that  the  prize  escape  thee  not.  By  cunning  is  a 
woodman  far  better  than  by  force ; by  cunning  doth  a helms- 
man on  the  wine-dark  deep  steer  his  swift  ship  buffeted  by 
winds ; by  cunning  hath  charioteer  the  better  of  charioteer. 
For  whoso  trusting  in  his  horses  and  car  alone  wheeleth 
heedlessly  and  wide  at  either  end,  his  horses  swerve  on  the 

course,  and  he  keepeth  them  not  in  hand.  But  whoso  is 

✓ 


460 


ILIAD  XXIII,  322-355 


of  crafty  mind,  though  he  drive  worse  horses,  he  ever  keep- 
ing his  eye  upon  the  post  turneth  closely  by  it,  neither  is 
unaware  how  far  at  first  to  force  his  horses  by  the  ox-hide 
reins,  but  holdeth  them  safe  in  hand  and  watcheth  the 
leader  in  the  race.  Now  will  I tell  thee  a certain  sign,  and 
it  shall  not  escape  thee.  A fathom’s  height  above  the 
ground  standeth  a withered  stump,  whether  of  oak  or 
pine : it  decayeth  not  in  the  rain,  and  two  white  stones  on 
either  side  thereof  are  fixed  at  the  joining  of  the  track,  and 
all  round  it  is  smooth  driving  ground.  Whether  it  be  a 
monument  of  some  man  dead  long  ago,  or  have  been  made 
their  goal  in  the  race  by  ancient  men,  this  now  is  the  mark 
fixed  by  fleet-footed  goodly  Achilles.  Wherefore  do  thou 
drive  close  and  bear  thy  horses  and  chariot  hard  thereon, 
and  lean  thy  body  on  the  well-knit  car  slightly  to  their  left, 
and  call  upon  the  off-horse  with  voice  and  lash,  and  give 
him  rein  from  thy  hand.  But  let  the  near  horse  hug  the 
post  so  that  the  nave  of  the  well-wrought  wheel  seem  to 
graze  it — yet  beware  of  touching  the  stone,  lest  thou  wound 
the  horses  and  break  the  chariot ; so  would  that  be  triumph 
to  the  rest  and  reproach  unto  thyself.  But,  dear  son,  be 
wise  and  on  thy  guard ; for  if  at  the  turning-post  thou  drive 
past  the  rest,  there  is  none  shall  overtake  thee  from  behind 
or  pass  thee  by,  not  though  he  drave  the  goodly  Arion  in 
pursuit,  the  fleet  horse  of  Adrastos,  of  divine  descent,  or  the 
horses  of  Laomedon,  best  of  all  bred  in  this  land.” 

Thus  spake  Neleian  Nestor  and  sate  him  down  again  in 
his  place,  when  he  had  told  his  son  the  sum  of  every  matter. 

And  Meriones  was  the  fifth  to  make  ready  his  sleek- 
coated  steeds.  Then  went  they  up  into  their  chariots,  and 
cast  in  the  lots : and  Achilles  shook  them,  and  forth  leapt 
the  lot  of  Antilochos  Nestor’s  son,  and  the  next  lot  had 
lord  Eumelos,  and  next  to  him  the  son  of  Atreus,  spear- 


461 


ILIAD  XXIII,  355-387 

famed  Menelaos,  and  next  to  him  drew  Meriones  his  place ; 
then  lastly  Tydeides,  far  the  best  of  all,  drew  his  lot  for  his 
chariot’s  place.  Then  they  stood  side  by  side,  and  Achilles 
showed  to  them  the  turning-post,  far  off  in  the  smooth  plain  ; 
and  beside  it  he  placed  an  umpire,  god-like  Phoinix,  his 
father’s  follower,  that  he  might  note  the  running  and  tell  the 
truth  thereof. 

Then  all  together  lifted  the  lash  above  their  steeds,  and 
smote  them  with  the  reins,  and  called  on  them  eagerly  with 
words : and  they  forthwith  sped  swiftly  over  the  plain, 
leaving  the  ships  behind ; and  beneath  their  breasts  stood 
the  rising  dust  like  a cloud  or  whirlwind,  and  their  manes 
waved  on  the  blowing  wind.  And  the  chariots  ran  some- 
times on  the  bounteous  earth,  and  other  whiles  would  bound 
into  the  air.  And  the  drivers  stood  in  the  cars,  and  the 
heart  of  every  man  beat  in  desire  of  victory,  and  they  called 
every  man  to  his  horses,  that  flew  amid  their  dust  across 
the  plain. 

But  when  the  fleet  horses  were  now  running  the  last 
part  of  the  course,  back  toward  the  grey  sea,  then  was 
manifest  the  prowess  of  each,  and  the  horses  strained  in 
the  race ; and  presently  to  the  front  rushed  the  fleet 
mares  of  Pheres’  grandson,  and  next  to  them  Diomedes’ 
stallions  of  the  breed  of  Tros,  not  far  apart,  but  hard 
anigh,  for  they  seemed  ever  as  they  would  mount  Eumelos’ 
car,  and  with  their  breath  his  back  was  warm  and  his 
broad  shoulders,  for  they  bent  their  heads  upon  him  as 
they  flew  along.  Thus  would  Tydeus’  son  have  either 
outstripped  the  other  or  made  it  a dead  heat,  had  not 
Phoebus  Apollo  been  wroth  with  him  and  smitten  from  his 
hand  the  shining  lash.  Then  from  his  eyes  ran  tears  of 
anger,  for  that  he  saw  the  mares  still  at  speed,  even  swift- 
iier  than  before,  while  his  own  horses  were  thrown  out, 


462 


ILIAD  XXIII,  387-422 


as  running  without  spur.  But  Athene  was  not  unaware  of 
Apollo’s  guile  against  Tydeides,  and  presently  sped  after  the 
shepherd  of  hosts,  and  gave  him  back  the  lash,  and  put 
spirit  into  his  steeds.  Then  in  wrath  after  the  son  of  Ad- 
metos  was  the  goddess  gone,  and  brake  his  steeds’  yoke,  and 
the  mares  ran  sideways  off  the  course,  and  the  pole  was 
twisted  to  the  ground.  And  Eumelos  was  hurled  out  of  the 
car  beside  the  wheel,  and  his  elbows  and  mouth  and  nose 
were  flayed,  and  his  forehead  bruised  above  his  eyebrows ; 
and  his  eyes  filled  with  tears  and  his  lusty  voice  was  choked. 
Then  Tydeides  held  his  whole-hooved  horses  on  one  side, 
darting  far  out  before  the  rest,  for  Athene  put  spirit  into  his 
steeds  and  shed  glory  on  himself.  Now  next  after  him 
came  golden-haired  Menelaos  Atreus’  son.  But  Antilochos 
called  to  his  father’s  horses : “ Go  ye  too  in,  strain  to  your 
fleetest  pace.  Truly  I nowise  bid  you  strive  with  those,  the 
horses  of  wise  Tydeides,  unto  which  Athene  hath  now  given 
speed,  and  shed  glory  on  their  charioteer.  But  overtake 
Atreides’  horses  with  all  haste,  and  be  not  outstripped  by 
them,  lest  Aithe  that  is  but  a mare  pour  scorn  on  you. 
Why  are  ye  outstripped,  brave  steeds  ? Thus  will  I tell  you, 
and  verily  it  shall  be  brought  to  pass — ye  will  find  no  tend- 
ance with  Nestor  shepherd  of  hosts,  but  straightway  he  will 
slay  you  with  the  edge  of  the  sword  if  through  heedlessness 
we  win  but  the  worse  prize.  Have  after  them  at  your  utmost 
speed,  and  I for  my  part  will  devise  a plan  to  pass  them  in 
the  strait  part  of  the  course,  and  this  shall  fail  me  not.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  fearing  the  voice  of  the  prince 
ran  swiftlier  some  little  while ; and  presently  did  the  good 
warrior  Antilochos  espy  a strait  place  in  a sunk  part  of  the  way. 
There  was  a rift  in  the  earth,  where  torrent  water  gathered 
and  brake  part  of  the  track  away,  and  hollowed  all  the  place ; 
there  drave  Menelaos,  shunning  the  encounter  of  the  wheels. 


ILIAD  XXIII,  423-455 


463 


But  Antilochos  turned  his  whole-hooved  horses  out  of  the 
track,  and  followed  him  a little  at  one  side.  And  the  son  of 
Atreus  took  alarm  and  shouted  to  Antilochos  : “ Antilochos, 
thou  art  driving  recklessly — hold  in  thy  horses  ! The  road 
is  straitened,  soon  thou  mayest  pass  me  in  a wider  place,  lest 
thou  foul  my  chariot  and  undo  us  both.” 

; Thus  spake  he,  but  Antilochos  drave  even  fiercelier  than 
before,  plying  his  lash,  as  though  he  heard  him  not.  As  far 
as  is  the  range  of  a disk  swung  from  the  shoulder  when  a 
young  man  hurleth  it,  making  trial  of  his  force,  even  so  far 
ran  they  on ; then  the  mares  of  Atreus’  son  gave  back,  for 
he  ceased  of  himself  to  urge  them  on,  lest  the  whole-hooved 
steeds  should  encounter  on  the  track,  and  overset  the  well- 
knit  cars,  and  the  drivers  fall  in  the  dust  in  their  zeal  for 
victory.  So  upbraiding  Antilochos  spake  golden -haired 

IMenelaos : “ Antilochos,  no  mortal  man  is  more  malicious 
than  thou.  Go  thy  mad  way,  since  falsely  have  we  Achaians 
called  thee  wise.  Yet  even  so  thou  shalt  not  bear  off  the 
prize  unchallenged  to  an  oath.” 

Thus  saying  he  called  aloud  to  his  horses : “ Hold  ye 
not  back  nor  stand  still  with  sorrow  at  heart.  Their  feet 
i and  knees  will  grow  weary  before  yours,  for  they  both  lack 
youth.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  fearing  the  voice  of  the  prince 
: sped  faster  on,  and  were  quickly  close  upon  the  others. 

Now  the  Argives  sitting  in  concourse  were  gazing  at  the 
horses,  and  they  came  flying  amid  their  dust  over  the  plain. 
And  the  first  aware  of  them  was  Idomeneus,  chief  of  the 
Cretans,  for  he  was  sitting  outside  the  concourse  in  the 
highest  place  of  view,  and  when  he  heard  the  voice  of  one 
that  shouted,  though  afar  off,  he  knew  it ; and  he  was  aware 
of  a horse  showing  plainly  in  the  front,  a chestnut  all  the 
rest  of  him,  but  in  the  forehead  marked  with  a white  star 


464 


ILIAD  XXIII,  455-488 


round  like  the  moon.  And  he  stood  upright  and  spoke 
among  the  Argives  : “ Friends,  chiefs,  and  counsellors  of  the 
Argives,  is  it  I alone  who  see  the  horses,  or  do  ye  also  ? A 
new  pair  seem  to  me  now  to  be  in  front,  and  a new  chariot- 
eer appeareth ; the  mares  which  led  in  the  outward  course 
must  have  been  thrown  out  there  in  the  plain.  For  I saw 
them  turning  first  the  hither  post,  but  now  can  see  them  no- 
where, though  my  eyes  are  gazing  everywhere  along  the 
Trojan  plain.  Did  the  reins  escape  the  charioteer  so  that 
he  could  not  drive  aright  round  the  post  and  failed  in  the 
turn  ? There,  methinks,  must  he  have  been  cast  forth,  and 
have  broken  his  chariot,  and  the  mares  must  have  left  the 
course,  in  the  wildness  of  their  heart.  But  stand  up  ye  too 
and  look,  for  myself  I discern  not  certainly,  but  the  first 
man  seemeth  to  me  one  of  Aitolian  race,  and  he  ruletb 
among  Argives,  the  son  of  horse-taming  Tydeus,  stalwart 
Diomedes.” 

Then  fleet  Aias  O'ileus’  son  rebuked  him  in  unseemly 
sort : “ Idomeneus,  why  art  thou  a braggart  of  old  ? As 
yet  far  off  the  high-stepping  mares  are  coursing  over  the  wide 
plain.  Neither  art  thou  so  far  the  youngest  among  the 
Argives,  nor  do  thy  eyes  look  so  far  the  keenliest  from  thy 
head,  yet  continually  braggest  thou.  It  beseemeth  thee 
not  to  be  a braggart,  for  there  are  here  better  men.  And 
the  mares  leading  are  they  that  led  before,  Eumelos’  mares,  i 
and  he  standeth  and  holdeth  the  reins  within  the  car.” 

Then  wrathfully  in  answer  spake  the  chief  of  Cretans  : 

“ Aias,  master  of  railing,  ill-counselled,  in  all  else  art  thou 
behind  other  Argives,  for  thy  mind  is  unfriendly.  Come 
then  let  us  wager  a tripod  or  caldron,  and  make  Agamemnon 
Atreus’  son  our  umpire,  which  mares  are  leading,  that  thou 
mayest  pay  and  learn.” 

Thus  said  he,  and  straightway  fleet  Aias  Oileus’  son  arose 


ILIAD  XXIII,  489-525 


465 


angrily  to  answer  with  harsh  words  : and  strife  between  the 
twain  would  have  gone  further,  had  not  Achilles  himself 
stood  up  and  spake  a word  : “ No  longer  answer  each  other 
with  harsh  words,  Aias  and  Idomeneus,  ill  words,  for  it  be- 
seemeth  not.  Surely  ye  are  displeased  with  any  other  who 
should  do  thus.  Sit  ye  in  the  concourse  and  keep  your  eyes 
upon  the  horses ; soon  they  in  zeal  for  victory  will  come 
. hither,  and  then  shall  ye  know  each  of  you  the  Argives' 
horses,  which  follow,  and  which  lead.” 

He  said,  and  the  son  of  Tydeus  came  driving  up,  and 
with  his  lash  smote  now  and  again  from  the  shoulder,  and 
his  horses  were  stepping  high  as  they  sped  swiftly  on  their 
way.  And  sprinklings  of  dust  smote  ever  the  charioteer, 
and  his  chariot  overlaid  wuth  gold  and  tin  ran  behind  his 
fleet-footed  steeds,  and  small  trace  was  there  of  the  wheel-tires 
behind  in  the  fine  dust,  as  they  flew  speeding  on.  Then  he 
drew  up  in  the  mid  concourse,  and  much  sweat  poured  from 
the  horses’  heads  and  chests  to  the  ground.  And  Diomedes 
leapt  to  earth  from  the  shining  car,  and  leant  his  lash  against 
the  yoke.  Then  stalwart  Sthenelos  tarried  not,  but  promptly 
took  the  prize,  and  gave  to  his  proud  comrades  the  woman 
to  lead  and  the  eared  tripod  to  bear  away,  and  he  loosed 
the  horses  from  the  yoke. 

And  next  after  him  drave  Neleian  Antilochos  his  horses, 
by  craft,  not  swiftness,  having  passed  by  Menelaos ; yet  even 
now  Menelaos  held  his  swift  steeds  hard  anigh.  As  far  as  a 
horse  is  from  the  wheel,  which  draweth  his  master,  straining 
with  the  car  over  the  plain — his  hindmost  tail-hairs  touch 
the  tire,  for  the  wheel  runneth  hard  anigh  nor  is  much 
space  between,  as  he  speedeth  far  over  the  plain — by  so 
much  was  Menelaos  behind  high-bom  Antilochos,  howbeit 
at  first  he  was  a whole  disk-cast  behind,  but  quickly  he  was 
catching  Antilochos  up,  for  the  high  mettle  of  Agamemnon’s 


a h 


466 


ILIAD  XXIII,  525-558 

mare,  sleek-coated  Aithe,  was  rising  in  her.  And  if  yet  furthei 
both  had  had  to  run  he  would  have  passed  his  rival  nor  left 
it  even  a dead  heat.  But  Meriones,  stout  squire  of  Ido- 
meiieus,  came  in  a spear-throw  behind  famous  Menelaos,  for 
tardiest  of  all  were  his  sleek-coated  horses,  and  slowest  he 
himself  to  drive  a chariot  in  the  race.  Last  of  them  all 
came  Admetos’  son,  dragging  his  goodly  car,  driving  his 
steeds  in  front.  Him  when  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles  be- 
held he  pitied  him,  and  he  stood  up  and  spake  winged 
words  among  the  Argives  : “ Last  driveth  his  whole-hooved 
horses  the  best  man  of  them  all.  But  come  let  us  give 
him  a prize,  as  is  seemly,  prize  for  the  second  place,  but 
the  first  let  the  son  of  Tydeus  take.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  all  applauded  that  he  bade.  And 
he  would  have  given  him  the  mare,  for  the  Achaians 
applauded,  had  not  Antilochos,  son  of  great-hearted  Nestor, 
risen  up  and  answered  Peleian  Achilles  on  behalf  of  his 
right : “ O Achilles,  I shall  be  sore  angered  with  thee  if 
thou  accomplish  this  word,  for  thou  art  minded  to  take 
away  my  prize,  because  thou  thinkest  of  how  his  chariot  and 
fleet  steeds  miscarried,  and  himself  withal,  good  man  though 
he  be.  Nay,  it  behoved  him  to  pray  to  the  Immortals,  then 
would  he  not  have  come  in  last  of  all  in  the  race.  But 
if  thou  pitiest  him  and  he  be  dear  to  thy  heart,  there  is 
much  gold  in  thy  hut,  bronze  is  there  and  sheep,  handmaids 
are  there  and  whole-hooved  horses.  Thereof  take  thou  and 
give  unto  him  afterward  even  a richer  prize,  or  even  now  at 
once,  that  the  Achaians  may  applaud  thee.  But  the  mare  I 
will  not  yield;  for  her  let  what  man  will  essay  the  battle 
at  my  hands.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  fleet-footed  noble  Achilles  smiled, 
pleased  with  Antilochos,  for  he  was  his  dear  comrade , 
and  spake  in  answer  to  him  winged  words  : “ Antilochos,  if 


ILIAD  XXIII,  558-591 


467 


thou  wouldst  have  me  give  Eumelos  some  other  thing  beside 
from  out  my  house,  that  also  will  I do.  I will  give  unto  him  a 
breast-plate  that  I took  from  Asteropaios,  of  bronze,  whereon 
a casting  of  bright  tin  is  overlaid,  and  of  great  worth  will  it  be 
to  him.”  He  said,  and  bade  his  dear  comrade  Automedon 
bring  it  from  the  hut,  and  he  went  and  brought  it.  [Then 
he  placed  it  in  Eumelos’  hands,  and  he  received  it  gladly.] 

But  Menelaos  also  arose  among  them,  sore  at  heart, 
angered  exceedingly  against  Antilochos ; and  the  herald 
set  the  staff  in  his  hand,  and  called  for  silence  among 
the  Argives ; then  spake  among  them  that  godlike  man  : 
“ Antilochos,  who  once  wert  wise,  what  thing  is  this  thou 
hast  done  ? Thou  hast  shamed  my  skill  and  made  my 
horses  fail,  thrusting  thine  own  in  front  that  are  far  worse. 
Come  now,  ye  chiefs  and  counsellors  of  the  Argives,  give 
judgment  between  us  both,  and  favour  neither  : lest  some 
one  of  the  mail-clad  Achaians  say  at  any  time  : ‘ By  con- 
straining Antilochos  through  false  words  hath  Menelaos  gone 
off  with  the  mare,  for  his  horses  were  far  worse,  howbeit 
he  hath  advantage  in  rank  and  power.’  Nay,  I myself  will 
bring  the  issue  about,  and  I deem  that  none  other  of  the 
Danaans  shall  reproach  me,  for  the  trial  shall  be  just. 
Antilochos,  fosterling  of  Zeus,  come  thou  hither  and  as  it  is 
ordained  stand  up  before  thy  horses  and  chariot  and  take  in 
thy  hand  the  pliant  lash  wherewith  thou  dravest  erst,  and 
touching  thy  horses  swear  by  the  Enfolder  and  Shaker  of  the 
earth  that  not  wilfully  didst  thou  hinder  my  chariot  by  guile.” 

Then  answered  him  wise  Antilochos  : “ Bear  with  me 
now,  for  far  younger  am  I than  thou,  king  Menelaos, 
and  thou  art  before  me  and  my  better.  Thou  knowest  how 
a young  man’s  trangressions  come  about,  for  his  mind  is 
hastier  and  his  counsel  shallow.  So  let  thy  heart  suffer  me, 
and  I will  of  myself  give  to  thee  the  mare  I have  taken. 


463 


ILIAD  XXIII,  591-624 


Yea,  if  thou  shouldst  ask  some  other  greater  thing  from 
my  house,  I were  fain  to  give  it  thee  straightway,  rather 
than  fall  for  ever  from  my  place  in  thy  heart,  O fosterling  o( 
Zeus,  and  become  a sinner  against  the  gods.” 

Thus  spake  great-hearted  Nestor’s  son,  and  brought  the 
mare  and  put  her  in  the  hand  of  Menelaos.  And  his  heart 
was  gladdened  as  when  the  dew  cometh  upon  the  ears  of 
ripening  harvest-corn,  what  time  the  fields  are  bristling.  So 
gladdened  was  thy  soul,  Menelaos,  within  thy  heart.  And 
he  spake  unto  Antilochos  and  uttered  winged  words  : “Anti-  i 
lochos,  now  will  I of  myself  put  away  mine  anger  against 
thee,  since  no  wise  formerly  wert  thou  flighty  or  light-minded, 
howbeit  now  thy  reason  was  overcome  of  youthfulness. 
Another  time  be  loth  to  outwit  better  men.  Not  easily 
should  another  of  the  Achaians  have  persuaded  me,  but  thou 
hast  suffered  and  toiled  greatly,  and  thy  brave  father  and 
brother,  for  my  sake  : therefore  will  I hearken  to  thy  prayer, 
and  will  even  give  unto  thee  the  mare,  though  she  is  mine, 
that  these  also  may  know  that  my  heart  was  never  over- 
weening or  implacable.” 

He  said,  and  gave  the  mare  to  Noemon  Antilochos’ com  i 
rade  to  lead  away,  and  then  took  the  shining  caldron.  And 
Meriones  took  up  the  two  talents  of  gold  in  the  fourth  place,  : 
as  he  had  come  in.  So  the  fifth  prize  was  left  unclaimed,  a 
two-handled  cup ; to  Nestor  gave  Achilles  this,  bearing  it 
to  him  through  the  concourse  of  Argives,  and  stood  by  him 
and  said : “ Lo  now  for  thee  too,  old  man,  be  this  a trea- 
sure, a memorial  of  Patroklos’  burying  ; for  no  more  shalt 
thou  behold  him  among  the  Argives.  Now  give  I thee  this  t 
prize  unwon,  for  not  in  boxing  shalt  thou  strive,  neither 
wrestle,  nor  enter  on  the  javelin  match,  nor  race  witli  thy 
feet ; for  grim  old  age  already  weigheth  on  thee.” 

Thus  saying  he  placed  it  in  his  hand,  and  Nestor  received 


ILIAD  XXIII,  625-657 


469 


it  gladly,  and  spake  unto  him  winged  words  : “ Ay,  truly  all 
this,  my  son,  thou  hast  meetly  said ; for  no  longer  are  my 
limbs,  friend,  firm,  nor  my  feet,  nor  do  my  arms  at  all  swing 
lightly  from  my  shoulders  either  side.  Would  that  my  youth 
were  such  and  my  force  so  firm  as  when  the  Epeians  were 
■ burying  lord  Amarynkes  at  Buprasion,  and  his  sons  held 
the  king’s  funeral  games.  Then  was  no  man  found  like  me, 
neither  of  the  Epeians  nor  of  the  Pylians  themselves  or  the 
great-hearted  Aitolians.  In  boxing  I overcame  Klytomedes, 
son  of  Enops,  and  in  wrestling  Ankaios  of  Pleuron,  who 
stood  up  against  me,  and  in  the  foot-race  I outran  Iphiklos, 
a right  good  man,  and  with  the  spear  outthrew  Phyleus  and 
Polydoros  ; only  in  the  chariot-race  the  two  sons  of  Aktor 
beat  me  [by  crowding  their  horses  in  front  of  me,  jealous 
for  victory,  because  the  chief  prizes  were  left  at  home.] 1 Now 
they  were  twins — one  ever  held  the  reins,  the  reins  he  ever 
held,  the  other  called  on  the  horses  with  the  lash.  Thus 
was  I once,  but  now  let  younger  men  join  in  such  feats ; I 
must  bend  to  grievous  age,  but  then  was  I of  mark  among 
! heroes.  But  come  hold  funeral  for  thy  comrade  too  with 
games  This  gift  do  I accept  with  gladness,  and  my  heart 
i rejoiceih  that  thou  rememberest  ever  my  friendship  to  thee 
— (nor  forget  I thee) — and  the  honour2  wherewith  it  is  meet 
I that  I be  honoured  among  the  Achaians.  And  may  the  gods 
for  this  grant  thee  due  grace.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Peleides  was  gone  down  the  full  con- 
course of  Achaians,  when  he  had  hearkened  to  all  the  thar.ks 
of  Neleus’  son.  Then  he  ordained  prizes  of  the  violent 
1 boxing  match  ; a sturdy  mule  he  led  forth  and  tethered  amid 
1 the  assembly,  a six-year  mule  unbroken,  hardest  of  all  to  break ; 
and  for  the  loser  set  a two-handled  cup.  Then  he  stood  up 

1 It  seems  impossible  to  obtain  a satisfactory  meaning  from  thij 
I couplet,  especially  the  word  r\v6ei.  3 Reading  rtfj.ru  d 


47° 


ILIAD  XXIII,  657-690 


and  spake  a word  among  the  Argives  : “ Son  of  Atreus  and  ye 
other  well-greaved  Achaians,  for  these  rewards  we  summon  two 
men  of  the  best  to  lift  up  their  hands  to  box  amain.  He  to 
whom  Apollo  shall  grant  endurance  to  the  end,  and  all  the 
Achaians  acknowledge  it,  let  him  take  the  sturdy  mule  and 
return  with  her  to  his  hut ; and  the  loser  shall  take  with  him 
the  two-handled  cup.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  forthwith  arose  a man  great  and  valiant 
and  skilled  in  boxing,  Epeios  son  of  Panopeus,  and  laid  his 
hand  on  the  sturdy  mule  and  said  aloud  : “ Let  one  come 
nigh  to  bear  off  the  two-handled  cup  ; the  mule  I say  none 
other  of  the  Achaians  shall  take  for  victory  with  his  fists,  for 
I claim  to  be  the  best  man  here.  Sufficeth  it  not  that  I fall  1 
short  of  you  in  battle  ? Not  possible  is  it  that  in  all  arts  a 
man  be  skilled.  Thus  proclaim  I,  and  it  shall  be  accomplished: 

I will  utterly  bruise  mine  adversary’s  flesh  and  break  his  bones, 
so  let  his  friends  abide  together  here  to  bear  him  forth  when 
vanquished  by  my  hands.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  all  kept  deep  silence.  And 
alone  arose  against  him  Euryalos,  a godlike  man,  son  of 
king  Mekisteus  the  son  of  Talaos,  Mekisteus,  who  came 
on  a time  to  Thebes  when  Oedipus  had  fallen,  to  his  burial, 
and  there  he  overcame  all  the  sons  of  Kadmos.  Thus 
Tydeides  famous  with  the  spear  made  ready  Euryalos  for 
the  fight,  cheering  him  with  speech,  and  greatly  desired 
for  him  victory.  And  first  he  cast  about  him  a girdle,  and 
next  gave  him  well-cut  thongs  of  the  hide  of  an  ox  of  the 
field.  And  the  two  boxers  being  girt  went  into  the  midst  1 
of  the  ring,  and  both  lifting  up  their  stalwart  hands  fell  to,  : 
and  their  hands  joined  battle  grievously.  Then  was  there  ■ 
terrible  grinding  of  teeth,  and  sweat  flowed  from  all  their 
limbs.  And  noble  Epeios  came  on,  and  as  the  other  spied  ; 
for  an  opening,  smote  him  on  the  cheek,  nor  could  he  much  1 


ILIAD  XXIII,  690-724 


47i 


more  stand,  for  his  fair  limbs  failed  straightway  under  him. 
And  as  when  beneath  the  North  Wind’s  ripple  a fish  leapeth 
on  a tangle-covered  beach,  and  then  the  black  wave  hideth  it, 
so  leapt  up  Euryalos  at  that  blow.  But  great-hearted  Epeios 
took  him  in  his  hands  and  set  him  upright,  and  his  dear 
comrades  stood  around  him,  and  led  him  through  the  ring 
with  trailing  feet,  spitting  out  clotted  blood,  drooping  his  head 
awry,  and  they  set  him  down  in  his  swoon  among  them  and 
themselves  went  forth  and  fetched  the  two-handled  cup. 

Then  Peleus’  son  ordained  straightway  the  prizes  for  a 
third  contest,  offering  them  to  the  Danaans,  for  the  grievous 
wrestling  match  : for  the  winner  a great  tripod  for  standing 
on  the  fire,  prized  by  the  Achaians  among  them  at  twelve 
oxen’s  worth  ; and  for  the  loser  he  brought  a woman  into  the 
midst,  skilled  in  manifold  work,  and  they  prized  her  at  four 
oxen.  And  he  stood  up  and  spake  a word  among  the  Argives  : 
“ Rise,  ye  who  will  essay  this  match.” 

Thus  said  he,  and  there  arose  great  Aias  son  of  Telamon, 
and  Odysseus  of  many  wiles  stood  up,  the  crafty-minded 
And  the  twain  being  girt  went  into  the  midst  of  the  ring, 
and  clasped  each  the  other  in  his  arms  with  stalwart  hands, 
like  gable  rafters  of  a lofty  house  which  some  famed  crafts- 
man joineth,  that  he  may  baffle  the  wind’s  force.  And  their 
backs  creaked,  gripped  firmly  under  the  vigorous  hands,  and 
sweat  ran  down  in  streams,  and  frequent  weals  along  their 
ribs  and  shoulders  sprang  up,  red  w'ith  blood,  w-hile  ever 
they  strove  amain  for  victory,  to  win  the  wrought  tripod. 
Neither  could  Odysseus  trip  Aias  and  bear  him  to  the 
ground,  nor  Aias  him,  for  Odysseus’  strength  withheld 
him.  But  when  they  began  to  irk  the  well-greaved  Achaians, 
then  said  to  Odysseus  great  Aias,  Telamon’s  son  : “Heaven- 
sprung  son  of  Laertes,  Odysseus  of  many  wiles,  or  lift  thou 
me,  or  I will  thee,  and  the  issue  shall  be  with  Zeus.” 


472 


ILIAD  XXIII,  725-758 


Having  thus  said  he  lifted  him,  but  Odysseus  was  not 
unmindful  of  his  craft.  He  smote  deftly  from  behind  the 
hollow  of  Aias’  knee,  and  loosed  his  limbs,  and  threw  him 
down  backward,  and  Odysseus  fell  upon  his  chest,  and  the 
folk  gazed  and  marvelled.  Then  in  his  turn  much-enduring 
noble  Odysseus  tried  to  lift,  and  moved  him  a little  from  the 
ground,  but  lifted  him  not,  so  he  crooked  his  knee  within  the 
other’s,  and  both  fell  on  the  ground  nigh  to  each  other,  and 
were  soiled  with  dust.  And  now  starting  up  again  a third  time 
would  they  have  wrestled,  had  not  Achilles  himself  arisen  and 
neld  them  back  : “ No  longer  press  each  the  other,  nor  wear 
you  out  with  pain.  Victory  is  with  both  ; take  equal  prizes 
y.nd  depart,  that  other  Achaians  may  contend.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  were  fain  to  hear  and  to  obey, 
and  wiped  the  dust  from  them  and  put  their  doublets  on. 

Then  straightway  the  son  of  Peleus  set  forth  other  prizes  for 
fleetness  of  foot ; a mixing-bowl  of  silver,  chased ; six  measures 
it  held,  and  in  beauty  it  was  far  the  best  in  all  the  earth,  for 
artificers  of  Sidon  wrought  it  cunningly,  and  men  of  the 
Phoenicians  brought  it  over  the  misty  sea,  and  landed  it  in 
harbour,  and  gave  it  a gift  to  Thoas ; and  Euneos  son  of  Jason 
gave  it  to  the  hero  Patroklos  a ransom  for  Lykaon  Priam’s 
son.  Now  this  cup  did  Achilles  set  forth  as  a prize  in 
honour  of  his  friend,  for  whoso  should  be  fleetest  in  speed 
of  foot.  For  the  second  he  set  an  ox  great  and  very  fat, 
and  for  the  last  prize  half  a talent  of  gold.  And  he  stood 
up  and  spake  a word  among  the  Argives  : “ Rise,  ye  who 
will  essay  this  match.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  straightway  arose  fleet  Aias  Oileus’ 
son,  and  Odysseus  of  many  wiles,  and  after  them  Nestor’s 
son  Antilochos,  for  he  was  best  of  all  the  youth  in  the  foot- 
race. Then  they  stood  side  by  side,  and  Achilles  showed  to 
them  the  goal.  Right  eager  was  the  running  from  the  start, 


ILIAD  XXIII,  758-792 


473 


but  Oileus’  son  forthwith  shot  to  the  front,  and  close  behind 
him  came  noble  Odysseus,  as  close  as  is  a weaving-rod  to 
a fair-girdled  woman’s  breast  when  she  pulleth  it  deftly  with 
ner  hands,  drawing  the  spool  along  the  warp,  and  holdeth 
the  rod  nigh  her  breast — so  close  ran  Odysseus  behind  Aias 
and  trod  in  his  footsteps  or  ever  the  dust  had  settled  there, 
and  on  his  head  fell  the  breath  of  noble  Odysseus  as  he  ran 
ever  lightly  on,  and  all  the  Achaians  applauded  his  struggle 
for  the  victory  and  called  on  him  as  he  laboured  hard.  But 
when  they  were  running  the  last  part  of  the  course,  forth- 
with Odysseus  prayed  in  his  soul  to  bright-eyed  Athene : 
“ Hearken,  goddess,  come  thou  a good  helper  of  my  feet.” 

Thus  prayed  he,  and  Pallas  Athene  hearkened  to  him, 
and  made  his  limbs  feel  light,  both  feet  and  hands.  But  when 
they  were  now  nigh  darting  on  the  prize,  then  Aias  slipped 
as  he  ran,  for  Athene  marred  his  race,  where  filth  was  strewn 
from  the  slaughter  of  loud-bellowing  oxen  that  fleet  Achilles 
slew  in  honour  of  Patroklos  : and  Aias’  mouth  and  nostrils 
were  filled  with  that  filth  of  oxen.  So  much-enduring  noble 
Odysseus,  as  he  came  in  first,  took  up  the  mixing-bowl, 
and  famous  Aias  took  the  ox.  And  he  stood  holding  in  his 
hand  the  horn  of  the  ox  of  the  field,  sputtering  away  the 
filth,  and  spake  among  the  Argives : “ Out  on  it,  it  was  the 
goddess  who  maned  my  running,  she  who  from  of  old  like 
a mother  standeth  by  Odysseus’  side  and  helpeth  him.” 

So  spake  he,  but  they  all  laughed  pleasantly  to  behold 
nim.  Then  Antilochos  smiling  bore  off"  the  last  prize,  and 
spake  his  word  among  the  Argives  : “ Friends,  ye  will  all  bear 
me  witness  when  I say  that  even  herein  also  the  immortals 
favour  elder  men.  For  Aias  is  a little  older  than  I,  but 
Odysseus  of  an  earlier  generation  and  earlier  race  of  men, 
A green  old  age  is  his,  they  say,  and  hard  were  it  for  any 
Achaian  to  rival  him  in  speed,  save  only  Achilles.” 


474 


ILIAD  XXIII,  793-820 


Thus  spake  he,  and  gave  honour  to  the  fleet  son  of 
Peleus.  And  Achilles  answered  him  and  said  : “ Antilochos, 
not  unheeded  shall  thy  praise  be  given;  a half -talent  of 
gold  I will  give  thee  over  and  above.”  He  said,  and  set  it 
in  his  hands,  and  Antilochos  received  it  gladly. 

Then  Peleus’  son  brought  a long-shadowed  spear  into 
the  ring  and  laid  it  there,  and  a shield  and  helmet,  the  arms 
of  Sarpedon  whereof  Patroklos  spoiled  him.  And  he  stood 
up  and  spake  a word  among  the  Argives : “To  win  these 
arms  we  bid  two  warriors  of  the  best  put  on  their  armour  and 
take  flesh-cleaving  bronze  to  make  trial  of  each  other  before 
the  host  whether  of  the  two  shall  first  reach  the  other’s  fair 
flesh  and  touch  the  inward  parts  through  armour  and  dark 
blood.  To  him  will  I give  this  silver-studded  sword,  a goodly 
Thracian  sword  that  I took  from  Asteropaios;  and  these 
arms  let  both  bear  away  to  hold  in  common,  and  a fair  feast 
will  we  set  before  them  in  the  huts.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  then  arose  Telamon’s  son  great  Aias, 
and  up  rose  Tydeus’  son,  stalwart  Diomedes.  So  when  on 
either  side  the  assembly  they  had  armed  them,  they  met 
together  in  the  midst  eager  for  battle,  with  terrible  gaze  ; and 
wonder  fell  on  all  the  Achaians.  But  when  they  were  now 
nigh  in  onset  on  each  other,  thrice  they  came  on  and  thrice 
drew  nigh  to  smite.  Then  Aias  smote  on  the  round  shield, 
but  pierced  not  to  the  flesh,  for  the  breast-plate  within  kept 
off  the  spear.  But  the  son  of  Tydeus  over  his  great  shield 

1 “There  can  be  little  doubt  that  from  798  to  883  is  a late  interpo- 
lation. The  following  contests  seem  to  have  no  place  in  the  Homeric 
gymnasium,  and  are  not  hinted  at  by  Achilles  in  621-3.  In  the  second 
only  one  prize  is  offered,  contrary  to  the  otherwise  courteous  practice  of 
Achilles,  the  descriptions  lose  their  vigour,  often  becoming  grotesque 
and  impossible,  and  the  actors  are  reduced  to  mere  lay  figures,  instead 
of  being  living  Homeric  heroes  of  flesh  and  blood.” — P&att  and 
Leaf’s  Story  of  Achilles,  p.  455. 


ILIAD  XXIII,  821-857 


475 


kept  ever  aiming  at  the  neck  with  the  point  of  his  bright 
spear.  Then  fearing  for  Aias  the  Achaians  bade  them  cease 
and  each  take  equal  prize.  But  to  Tydeus’  son  the  hero 
gave  the  great  sword,  bringing  it  with  its  scabbard  and  well- 
cut  belt. 

Then  the  son  of  Peleus  set  an  unwrought  metal  mass 
which  anciently  the  mighty  Eetion  was  wont  to  whirl ; but  him 
fleet  noble  Achilles  slew,  and  brought  the  mass  in  his  ships 
with  his  other  possessions.  And  he  stood  up  and  spake  a 
word  among  the  Argives : “ Rise,  ye  who  will  essay  this 
match.  The  winner  of  this,  even  though  his  rich  fields  be 
very  far  remote,  will  have  it  for  use  five  rolling  years,  for  his 
shepherd  or  ploughman  will  not  for  want  of  iron  have  to  go 
into  the  town,  but  this  will  give  it  them.” 

Thus  said  he,  and  then  arose  warlike  Polypoites,  and  the 
valiant  strength  of  godlike  Leonteus,  and  Aias  son  of  Tela- 
mon and  noble  Epeios.  And  they  stood  in  order,  and  noble 
Epeios  took  the  weight,  and  whirled  and  flung  it ; and  all 
the  Achaians  laughed  to  see  it.  Then  next  Leonteus,  of 
the  stock  of  Ares,  threw;  and  thirdly  great  Aias  Telamon’s 
son  hurled  it  from  his  stalwart  hand,  and  overpassed  the 
marks  of  all.  But  when  warlike  Polypoites  took  the  mass  he 
flung  it  as  far  as  a herdsman  flingeth  his  staff,  when  it  flieth 
whirling  through  herds  of  kine ; — so  far  cast  he  beyond  all 
the  space,  and  the  people  shouted  aloud.  And  the  comrades 
of  strong  Polypoites  arose  and  bare  the  king’s  prize  to  the 
hollow  ships. 

Then  for  the  archers  he  set  a prize  of  dark  iron — ten 
double-headed  axes  he  set,  and  ten  single ; and  set  up  the 
mast  of  a dark-prowed  ship  far  off  in  the  sands,  and  bound 
a pigeon  thereto  by  the  foot  with  a fine  cord,  and  bade  shoot 
thereat : — “ Whosoever  shall  hit  the  pigeon  let  him  take  all 
the  double  axes  home  with  him,  and  whoso  shall  miss  the 


476  ILIAD  XXIII,  857-892 

bird  but  hit  the  cord,  he  shall  take  the  single,  since  his  shot 
is  worse.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  then  arose  the  strength  of  the  chief 
Teukros,  and  Meriones  arose,  Idomeneus’  brave  brother  in 
arms.  And  they  took  lots  and  shook  them  in  a brazen  helm, 
and  Teukros  drew  the  first  place  by  lot.  Forthwith  he  shot 
an  arrow  with  power,  but  made  no  vow  to  offer  a famous 
hecatomb  of  firstling  lambs  to  the  Lord  of  archery.  The 
bird  he  missed — Apollo  grudged  him  that — but  struck  the 
cord  beside  its  foot,  where  the  bird  was  tied,  and  the  keen 
dart  cut  the  cord  clean  away.  Then  the  bird  shot  up  toward 
heaven,  and  the  cord  hung  loose  toward  earth ; and  the 
Achaians  shouted.  Then  Meriones  made  haste  and  took 
from  Teukros’  hand  the  bow ; — an  arrow  he  had  ready,  while 
the  other  aimed — and  vowed  withal  to  far-darting  Apollo  a 
famous  hecatomb  of  firstling  lambs.  High  up  under  the 
clouds  he  saw  the  pigeon ; there,  as  she  circled  round,  he 
struck  her  in  the  midst  beneath  her  wing,  and  right  through 
her  went  the  dart,  and  fell  back  and  fixed  itself  in  the  ground 
before  Meriones’  foot ; but  the  bird  lighting  on  the  mast  of 
the  dark-prowed  ship  hung  down  her  neck,  and  her  feathered 
pinions  drooped.  And  quickly  life  fled  from  her  limbs,  and 
she  fell  far  down  from  the  mast ; and  the  folk  looked  on  and 
marvelled.  And  Meriones  took  up  all  the  ten  double  axes, 
and  Teukros  bare  the  single  to  the  hollow  ships.] 

Then  Peleus’  son  brought  and  set  in  the  ring  a far- 
shadowing  spear  and  a caldron  that  knew  not  the  fire,  an  ox’s 
worth,  embossed  with  flowers ; and  men  that  were  casters  of 
the  javelin  arose  up.  There  rose  Atreus’  son  wide-ruling 
Agamemnon,  and  Meriones,  Idomeneus’  brave  squire.  And 
swift -footed  noble  Achilles  spake  among  them : “ Son  of 
Atreus,  for  that  we  know  how  far  thou  excellest  all,  and  how 
for  the  first  thou  art  in  the  might  of  thy  throw,  take  thou  this 


ILIAD  XXIII,  892-897 


477 


prize  with  thee  to  the  hollow  ships,  and  to  the  hero  Meriones 
let  us  give  the  spear,  if  thou  art  willing  in  thy  heart : thus  I 
at  least  advise.” 

Thus  spake  he,  nor  disregarded  him  Agamemnon  king 
of  men.  So  to  Meriones  he  gave  the  spear  of  bronze,  but  to 
the  herald  Talthybios  the  hero  gave  the  goodliest  prize. 


BOOK  XXIV. 


How  the  body  of  Hector  was  ransomed,  and  of  his  funeral 

Then  the  assembly  was  broken  up,  and  the  tribes  were  scat- 
tered to  betake  them  each  to  their  own  swift  ships.  The 
rest  bethought  them  of  supper  and  sweet  sleep  to  have  joy 
thereof;  but  Achilles  wept,  remembering  his  dear  comrade, 
nor  did  sleep  that  conquereth  all  take  hold  on  himt  but  he 
kept  turning  him  to  this  side  and  to  that,  yearning  for  Patro- 
klos’  manhood  and  excellent  valour,  and  all  the  toils  he 
achieved  with  him  and  the  woes  he  bare,  cleaving  the  battles 
of  men  and  the  grievous  waves.  As  he  thought  thereon  he 
shed  big  tears,  now  lying  on  his  side,  now  on  his  back,  now 
on  his  face;  and  then  anon  he  would  arise  upon  his  feet  and 
roam  wildly  beside  the  beach  of  the  . salt  sea.  Nor  would 
he  be  unaware  of  the  Dawn  when  she  arose  over  the  sea  and 
shores.  But  when  he  had  yoked  the  swift  steeds  to  his  car 
he  would  bind  Hector  behind  his  chariot  to  drag  him  withal; 
and  having  thrice  drawn  him  round  the  barrow  of  the  dead 
son  of  Menoitios  he  rested  again  in  his  hut,  and  left  Hector 
lying  stretched  on  his  face  in  the  dust.  But  Apollo  kept 
away  all  defacement  from  his  flesh,  for  he  had  pity  on  him 
even  in  death,  and  covered  him  all  with  his  golden  aegis, 
that  Achilles  might  not  tear  him  when  he  dragged  him. 

Thus  Achilles  in  his  anger  entreated  noble  Hector  shame- 
fully; but  the  blessed  gods  when  they  beheld  him  pitied  him. 


ILIAD  XXIV,  24-56 


479 


and  urgedjhe  clear-sighted  slayer  of  Argus  to  steal  the  corpse 
away.  So  to  all  the  others  seemed  it  good,  yet  not  to  Hera 
or  Poseidon  or  the  bright-eyed  Maiden,  but  they  continued 
as  when  at  the  beginning  sacred  Ilios  became  hateful  to 
them,  and  Priam  and  his  people,  by  reason  of  the  sin  of 
Alexandros  in  that  he  contemned  those  goddesses  when  they 
came  to  his  steading,  and  preferred  her  who  brought  him 
deadly  lustfulness.  But  when  the  twelfth  morn  from  that 
day  arose,  then  spake  among  the  Immortals  Phoebus  Apollo: 
“ Hard  of  heart  are  ye,  O gods,  and  crueL  Hath  Plector 
never  burnt  for  you  thigh-bones  of  unblemished  bulls  and 
goats  ? Now  have  ye  not  taken  heart  to  rescue  even  his 
corpse  for  his  wife  to  look  upon  and  his  mother  and  his  child 
and  his  father  Priam  and  his  people,  who  speedily  would  burn 
him  in  the  fire  and  make  his  funeral  But  fell  Achilles,  O 
gods,  ye  are  fain  to  abet,  whose  mind  is  nowise  just  nor  the 
purpose  in  his  breast  to  be  turned  away,  but  he  is  cruelly 
minded  as  a lion  that  in  great  strength  and  at  the  bidding  of 
his  proud  heart  goeth  forth  against  men’s  flocks  to  make  his 
meal ; even  thus  Achilles  hath  cast  out  pity,  neither  hath  he 
shame,  that  doth  both  harm  and  profit  men  greatly.  It 
must  be  that  many  a man  lose  even  some  dearer  one  than  was 
this,  a brother  of  the  same  womb  bhm  or  perchance  a son ; 
yet  bringeth  he  his  wailing  and  lamentation  to  an  end,  for  an 
enduring  soul  have  the  Fates  given  unto  men.  But  Achilles 
after  bereaving  noble  Hector  of  his  life  bindeth  him  behind 
his  horses  and  draggeth  him  around  the  tomb  of  his  dear 
comrade  : not,  verily,  is  that  more  honourable  or  better  for 
him.  Let  him  take  heed  lest  we  wax  wroth  with  .him,  good 
man  though  he  be,  for  in  his  fury  he  is  entreating  shamefully 
the  senseless  clay.” 

Then  in  anger  spake  unto  him  white-armed  Hera  : “ Even 
thus  mightest  thou  speak,  O Lord  of  the  silver  bow,  if  ye  are 


4S0 


ILIAD  XXIV,  56-90 


to  give  equal  honour  to  Achilles  and  to  Hector.  Hectoi 
is  but  a mortal  and  was  suckled  at  a woman’s  breast,  but 
Achilles  is  child  of  a goddess  whom  I myself  bred  up  and 
reared  and  gave  to  a man  to  be  his  wife,  even  to  Peleus  who 
was  dearest  of  all  men  to  the  Immortals’  heart.  And  all  ye 
gods  came  to  her  bridal,  and  thou  among  them  wert  feasting 
with  thy  lyre,  O lover  of  ill  company,  faithless  ever.” 

Then  to  her  in  answer  spake  Zeus  who  gathereth  the 
clouds  : “ Hera,  be  not  wroth  utterly  with  the  gods : for  these 
men’s  honour  is  not  to  be  the  same,  yet  Hector  also  was 
dearest  to  the  gods  of  all  mortals  that  are  in  Ilios.  So  was 
he  to  me  at  least,  for  nowise  failed  he  in  the  gifts  I loved. 
Never  did  my  altar  lack  seemly  feast,  drink-offering  and  the 
steam  of  sacrifice,  even  the  honour  that  falleth  to  our  due. 
But  verily  we  will  say  no  more  of  stealing  away  brave  Hector, 
for  it  cannot  be  hidden  from  Achilles,  for  his  mother  abideth 
ever  nigh  to  him  night  and  day.  But  I were  fain  that  some 
one  of  the  gods  would  call  Thetis  to  come  near  to  me,  that 
I may  speak  unto  her  a wise  word,  so  that  Achilles  may  take 
gifts  from  Priam  and  give  Hector  back.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  airy-footed  Iris  sped  forth  upon  the 
errand  and  between  Samothrace  and  rocky  Imbros  leapt  into 
the  black  sea,  and  the  waters  closed  above  her  with  a noise. 
And  she  sped  to  the  bottom  like  a weight  of  lead  that 
mounted  on  horn  of  a field-ox  goeth  down  bearing  death  to 
ravenous  fishes.  And  she  found  Thetis  in  a hollow  cave ; 
about  her  sat  gathered  other  goddesses  of  the  sea,  and 
she  in  their  midst  was  wailing  for  the  fate  of  her  noble  son 
who  must  perish  in  deep-soiled  Troy,  far  from  his  native  land. 
And  standing  near,  fleet-footed  Iris  spake  to  her : “ Rise, 
Thetis  ; Zeus  of  immortal  counsels  calleth  thee.” 

And  to  her  made  answer  Thetis  the  silver-footed  goddess  : 
“ Wherefore  biddeth  me  that  mighty  god  ? I shrink  from 


ILIAD  XXIV,  91-121 


481 


mingling  among  the  Immortals,  for  I have  countless  woes  at 
heart.  Yet  go  I,  nor  shall  his  word  be  in  vain,  whatsoever 
he  saith.” 

Thus  having  said  the  noble  goddess  took  to  her  a dark- 
hued  robe,  no  blacker  raiment  was  there  found  than  that. 
Then  she  went  forth,  and  wind-footed  swift  Iris  led  the  way 
before  her,  and  around  them  the  surge  of  the  sea  was  sun- 
dered. And  when  they  had  come  forth  upon  the  shore  they 
sped  up  to  heaven,  and  found  the  far-seeing  son  of  Kronos, 
and  round  him  sat  gathered  all  the  other  blessed  gods  that 
are  for  ever.  Then  she  sat  down  beside  father  Zeus,  and 
Athene  gave  her  place.  And  Hera  set  a fair  golden  cup  in 
her  hand  and  cheered  her  with  words,  and  Thetis  drank, 
and  gave  back  the  cup.  Then  began  speech  to  them  the 
father  of  gods  and  men:  “Thou  art  come  to  Olympus,  divine 
Thetis,  in  thy  sorrow,  with  violent  grief  at  thy  heart ; I know 
it  of  myself.  Nevertheless  will  I tell  thee  wherefore  I called 
thee  hither.  Nine  days  hath  dispute  arisen  among  the  Im- 
mortals concerning  the  corpse  of  Hector  and  Achilles  waster 
of  cities.  Fain  are  they  to  send  clear-sighted  Argeiphontes 
to  steal  the  body  away,  but  now  hear  what  glory  I accord 
herein  to  Achilles,  that  I may  keep  through  times  to  come 
thy  honour  and  good  will.  Go  with  all  speed  to  the  host  and 
bear  to  thy  son  my  bidding.  Say  to  him  that  the  gods  me 
displeased  at  him,  and  that  I above  all  Immortals  am  wroth,, 
because  with  furious  heart  he  holdeth  Hector  at  the  beaked 
ships  and  hath  not  given  him  back,  if  haply  he  may  fearjne 
and  give  Hgrtnr  hack.  But  I wall  send  Lis  to  great-hearted 
Priam  to  bid  him  go  to  the  ships  of  the  Achaians  to  ransom 
his  dear  son,  and  carry  gifts  to  Achilles  that  may  gladden  his 
heart.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  Thetis  the  silver-footed  goddess  was 
not  disobedient  to  his  word,  and  sped  darting  upon  her  way 


4§2 


ILIAD  XXIV,  1 2 1- x 54 


down  from  the  peaks  of  Olympus.  And  she  came  to  her  son’s 
hut ; there  found  she  him  making  grievous  moan,  and  his 
dear  comrades  round  were  swiftly  making  ready  and  furnish- 
ing their  early  meal,  and  a sheep  great  and  fleecy  was  being 
sacrificed  in  the  hut.  Then  his  lady-mother  sate  her  down 
close  beside  him,  and  stroked  him  with  her  hand  and  spake 
to  him  by  his  name  : “ My  child,  how  long  with  lamentation 
and  woe  wilt  thou  devour  thine  heart,  taking  thought  of 
neither  food  nor  rest  ? good  were  even  a woman’s  embrace, 
for  not  long  shalt  thou  be  left  alive  to  me ; already  death 
and  forceful  fate  are  standing  nigh  thee.  But  hearken 
forthwith  unto  me,  for  I am  the  messenger  of  Zeus  to  thee. 
He  saith  that  the  gods  are  displeased  at  thee,  and  that 
himself  above  all  Immortals  is  wroth,  because  with  furious 
heart  thou  holdest  Hector  at  the  beaked  ships  and  hast  not 
given  him  back.  But  come  restore  him,  and  take  ransom  for 
the  dead.” 

Then  to  her  in  answer  spake  fleet-footed  Achilles  : “ So_ 
be  it : whoso  bringeth  ransom  let  him  take  back  the  dead,  if 
verily  with  heart’sjntentjthe  Olympian  biddeth  it  himself.” 

So  they  in  the  assembly  of  the  ships,  mother  and  son, 
spake  to  each  other  many  winged  words.  But  the  son  of 
Kronos  thus  bade  Iris  go  to  holy  Ilios : “ Go  forth,  fleet 
Iris,  leave  the  abode  of  Olympus  and  bear  my  message 
within  Ilios  to  great-hearted  Priam  that  he  go  to  the  ships 
of  the  Achaians  and  ransom  his  dear  son  and  carry  gifts  to 
Achilles  that  may  gladden  his  heart ; let  him  go  alone,  and 
no  other  man  of  the  Trojans  go  with  him.  Only  let  some 
elder  herald  attend  on  him  to  guide  the  mules  and  smooth- 
wheeled waggon  and  carry  back  to  the  city  the  dead  man 
whom  noble  Achilles  slew.  Let  not  death  be  in  his  thought 
nor  any  fear;  such  guide  will  we  give  unto  him,  even  the  slayer 
of  Argus,  who  shall  lead  him  until  his  leading  bring  him  to 


ILIAD  XXIV,  154-187 


483 


Achilles.  And  when  he  shall  have  led  him  within  the  hut, 
neither  shall  Achilles  himself  slay  him  nor  suffer  any  other 
herein,  for  not  senseless  is  he  or  unforeseeing  or  wicked,  but 
with  all  courtesy  he  will  spare  a suppliant  man.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  airy-footed  Iris  sped  forth  upon  the 
errand  And  she  came  to  the  house  of  Priam,  and  found 
therein  crying  and  moan.  His  children  sitting  around  their 
father  within  the  court  were  bedewing  their  raiment  with 
their  tears,  and  the  old  man  in  their  midst  was  close  wrapped 
all  over  in  his  cloak ; and  on  his  head  and  neck  was  much 
mire  that  he  had  gathered  in  his  hands  as  he  grovelled  upon 
the  earth.  And  his  daughters  and  his  sons’  wives  were 
wailing  throughout  the  house,  bethinking  them  of  all  those 
valiant  men  who  had  lost  their  lives  at  the  hands  of  the 
Argives  and  were  lying  low.  And  the  messenger  of  Zeus 
stood  beside  Priam  and  spake  softly  unto  him,  and  trembling 
came  upon  his  limbs : “ Be  of  good  cheer  in  thy  heart,  0 
Priam  son  of  Dardanos,  and  be  not  dismayed  for  anything, 
for  no  evil  come  I hither  to  forebode  to  thee,  but  with  good 
will.  I am  the  messenger  of  Zeus  to  thee,  who,  though  he 
be  afar  off,  hath  great  care  and  pity  for  thee.  The  Olym- 
pian biddeth  thee  ransom  noble  Hector  and  carry  gifts  to 
Achilles  that  may  gladden  his  heart : go  thou  alone,  let  none 
other  of  the  Trojans  go  with  thee.  Only  let  some  elder  herald 
attend  on  thee  to  guide  the  mules  and  the  smooth-wheeled 
waggon  to  carry  back  to  the  city  the  dead  man  whom  noble 
Achilles  slew.  Let  not  death  be  in  thy  thought,  nor  any  fear  ; 
such  guide  shall  go  with  thee,  even  the  slayer  of  Argus,  who 
shall  lead  thee  until  his  leading  bring  thee  to  Achilles.  And 
when  he  shall  have  led  thee  into  the  hut,  neither  shall 
Achilles  himself  slay  thee  nor  suffer  any  other  herein,  for 
not  senseless  is  he  or  unforeseeing  or  wicked,  but  with  all 
courtesy  he  will  spare  a suppliant  man.” 


484 


ILIAD  XXIV,  1 88-2 1 9 


Thus  having  spoken  fleet  Iris  departed  from  him;  and 
he  bade  his  sons  make  ready  the  smooth  - wheeled  mule 
waggon,  and  bind  the  wicker  carriage  thereon.  And  himself 
he  went  down  to  his  fragrant  chamber,  of  cedar  wood,  high- 
roofed,  that  held  full  many  jewels  : and  to  Hekabe  his  wife 
he  called  and  spake : “ Lady,  from  Zeus  hath  an  Olympian 
messenger  come  to  me,  that  I go  to  the  ships  of  the  Achaians 
and  ransom  my  dear  son,  and  carry  gifts  to  Achilles  that 
may  gladden  his  heart.  Come  tell  me  how  seemeth  it  to 
thy  mind,  for  of  myself  at  least  my  desire  and  heart  bid  me 
mightily  to  go  thither  to  the  ships  and  enter  the  wide  camp 
of  the  Achaians.” 

Thus  spake  he,  but  his  wife  lamented  aloud  and  made 
answer  unto  him : “ Woe  is  me,  whither  is  gone  thy  mind 
whereby  aforetime  thou  wert  famous  among  stranger  men 
and  among  them  thou  rulest?  How  art  thou  fain  to  go 
alone  to  the  ships  of  the  Achaians,  to  meet  the  eyes  of  the 
man  who  hath  slain  full  many  of  thy  brave  sons  ? of  iron 
verily  is  thy  heart.  For  if  he  light  on  thee  and  behold  thee 
with  his  eyes,  a savage  and  ill-trusted  man  is  this,  and  he 
will  not  pity  thee,  neither  reverence  thee  at  all.  Nay,  nog 
let  us  sit  in  the  hall  and  make  lament  afar  off.  Even  thus 
did  forceful  Fate  erst  spin  for  Hector  with  her  thread  at 
his  beginning,  when  I bare  him,  even  I,  that  he  should  glut 
fleet-footed  dogs,  far  from  his  parents,  in  the  dwelling  of  a 
violent  man  whose  inmost  vitals  I were  fain  to  fasten  and 
feed  upon ; then  would  his  deeds  against  my  son  be  paid 
again  to  him,  for  not  playing  the  coward  was  he  slain 
of  him,  but  championing  the  men  and  deep -bosomed 
women  of  Troy,  neither  bethought  he  him  of  shelter  os 
of  flight.” 

Then  to  her  in  answer  spake  the  old  man  godlike  Priam  : 
“ Stay  me  not,  for  I am  fain  to  go,  neither  be  thyself  a bird  of 


ILIAD  XXIV,  219-250 


485 


ill  boding  in  my  halls,  for  thou  wilt  not  change  my  mind. 
Were  it  some  other  and  a child  of  earth  that  bade  me  this, 
whether  some  seer  or  of  the  priests  that  divine  from  sacrifice 
then  would  we  declare  it  false  and  have  no  part  therein  : 
but  now,  since  I have  heard  the  voice  of  the  goddess  myself 
and  looked  upon  her  face,  I will  go  forth,  and  her  word 
shall  not  be  void.  And  if  it  be  my  fate  to  die  by  the  ships 
of  the  mail-clad  Achaians,  so  would  I have  it ; let  Achilles 
slay  me  with  all  speed,  when  once  I have  taken  in  my  arms 

my  son,  and  have  satisfied  my  desire  with  moan.” 

He  spake,  and  opened  fair  lids  of  chests  wherefrom  he 
chose  twelve  very  goodly  women’s  robes  and  twelve  cloaks 
of  single  fold  and  of  coverlets  a like  number  and  of  fair 
sheets,  and  of  doublets  thereupon.  And  he  weighed  and 
brought  forth  talents  of  gold  ten  in  all,  and  two  shining 
tripods  and  four  caldrons,  and  a goblet  exceeding  fair  that 
men  of  Thrace  had  given  him  when  he  went  thither  on 
an  embassy,  a chattel  of  great  price,  yet  not  that  even  did 
the  old  man  grudge  from  his  halls,  for  he  was  exceeding 
fain  at  heart  to  ransom  his  dear  son.  Then  he  drave  out 
all  the  Trojans  from  the  colonnade,  chiding  them  with  words 
of  rebuke  : “ Begone,  ye  that  dishonour  and  do  me  shame  ! 
Have  ye  no  mourning  of  your  own  at  home  that  ye  come  to 
vex  me  here  ? Think  ye  it  a small  thing  that  Zeus  Kronos’ 
son  hath  given  me  this  sorrow,  to  lose  him  that  was  the  best 
man  of  my  sons  ? Nay,  but  ye  too  shall  feel  it,  for  easier  far 
shall  ye  be  to  the  Achaians  to  slay  now  he  is  dead.  But  for 
me,  ere  I behold  with  mine  eyes  the  city  sacked  and  wasted, 
let  me  go  down  into  the  house  of  Hades.” 

He  said,  and  with  his  staff  chased  forth  the  men,  and 
they  went  forth  before  the  old  man  in  his  haste.  Then  he 
called  unto  his  sons,  chiding  Helenos  and  Paris  and  noble 
Agathon  and  Pammon  and  Antiphonos,  and  Polites  of  the 


486 


ILIAD  XXIV,  250-284 


loud  war-cry,  and  Deiphobos  and  Hippothoos  and  proud 
Dios ; nine  were  they  whom  the  old  man  called  and  bade 
unto  him : “ Haste  ye,  ill  sons,  my  shame ; would  that  ye 
all  in  Hector’s  stead  had  been  slain  at  the  swift  ships  ! Woe 
is  me  al)  unblest,  since  I begat  sons  the  best  men  in  wide 
Troy-land,  but  none  of  them  is  left  for  me  to  claim,  neither 
godlike  Mestor,  nor  Troilos  with  his  chariot  of  war,  nor 
Hector  who  was  a god  among  men,  neither  seemed  he  as 
the  son  of  a mortal  man  but  of  a god : — all  these  hath  Ares 
slain,  and  here  are  my  shames  all  left  to  me,  false-tongued, 
light-heeled,  the  heroes  of  the  dance,  plunderers  of  your  own 
people’s  sheep  and  kids.  Will  ye  not  make  me  ready  a wain 
with  all  speed,  and  lay  all  these  thereon,  that  we  get  us 
forward  on  our  way  ? ” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  fearing  their  father’s  voice 
brought  forth  the  smooth-running  mule  chariot,  fair  and 
new,  and  bound  the  body  thereof  on  the  frame ; and  from 
its  peg  they  took  down  the  mule  yoke,  a boxwood  yoke  with 
knob  well  fitted  with  guiding-rings ; and  they  brought  forth 
the  yoke-band  of  nine  cubits  with  the  yoke.  The  yoke  they 
set  firmly  on  the  polished  pole  on  the  rest  at  the  end  thereof, 
and  slipped  the  ring  over  the  upright  pin,  which  with  three 
turns  of  the  band  they  lashed  to  the  knob,  and  then  belayed 
it  close  round  the  pole  and  turned  the  tongue  thereunder, 
Then  they  brought  from  the  chamber  and  heaped  on  the 
polished  wain  the  countless  ransom  of  Hector’s  head,  and 
yoked  strong-hooved  harness  mules,  which  on  a time  the 
Mysians  gave  to  Priam,  a splendid  gift.  But  to  Priam’s  car 
they  yoked  the  horses  that  the  old  man  kept  for  his  use  and 
reared  at  the  polished  crib. 

Thus  in  the  high  palace  were  Priam  and  the  herald 
letting  yoke  their  cars,  with  wise  thoughts  at  their  hearts, 
when  nigh  them  came  Hekahe  sore  at  heart,  with  honey 


ILIAD  XXIV,  284-315 


487 


sweet  wine  in  her  right  hand  in  a golden  cup  that  they 
might  make  libation  ere  they  went.  And  she  stood  before 
the  horses  and  spake  a word  to  Priam  by  name : “ Lo  now 
make  libation  to  father  Zeus  and  pray  that  thou  mayest  come 
back  home  from  among  the  enemy,  since  thy  heart  speedeth 
thee  forth  to  the  ships,  though  fain  were  I thou  wentest 
not.  And  next  pray  to  Kronion  of  the  Storm-cloud,  the 
god  of  Ida,  that  beholdeth  all  Troy-land  beneath,  and  ask  of 
him  a bird  of  omen,  even  the  swift  messenger  that  is  dearest 
of  all  birds  to  him  and  of  mightiest  strength,  to  appear  upon 
thy  right,  that  seeing  the  sign  with  thine  own  eyes  thou 
mayest  go  in  trust  thereto  unto  the  ships  of  the  fleet-horsed 
Danaans.  But  if  far-seeing  Zeus  shall  not  grant  unto  thee 
his  messenger,  I at  least  shall  not  bid  thee  on  to  go  among 
the  ships  of  the  Achaians  how  fain  soever  thou  mayest  be.” 

Then  answered  and  spake  unto  her  godlike  Priam : “ Lady 
I will  not  disregard  this  hest  of  thine,  for  good  it  is  to  lift  up 
hands  to  Zeus,  if  haply  he  will  have  pity.” 

Thus  spake  the  old  man,  and  bade  a house-dame  that 
served  him  pour  pure  water  on  his  hands;  and  she  came  near 
to  serve  him  with  water  in  a ewer  to  wash  withal.  And  when 
he  had  washed  his  hands  he  took  a goblet  from  his  wife: 
then  he  stood  in  the  midst  of  the  court  and  prayed  and 
poured  forth  wine  as  he  looked  up  to  heaven,  and  spake 
a word  aloud  : “ Father  Zeus  that  bearest  sway  from  Ida, 
most  glorious  and  most  great,  grant  that  I find  welcome  and 
pity  under  Achilles’  roof,  and  send  a bird  of  omen,  even  the 
swift  messenger  that  is  dearest  of  all  birds  to  thee  and  of 
mightiest  strength,  to  appear  upon  the  right,  that  seeing  this 
sign  with  mine  own  eyes  I may  go  trusting  therein  unto  the 
ships  of  the  fleet-horsed  Danaans.” 

Thus  spake  he  praying,  and  Zeus  of  wise  counsels  heark- 
ened unto  him,  and  straightway  sent  forth  an  eagle,  surest 


4S8 


ILIAD  XXIV,  315-347 


omen  of  winged  birds,  the  dusky  hunter  called  of  men  the 
Black  Eagle.  Wide  as  the  door,  well  locking,  fitted  close,  ot 
some  rich  man’s  high-roofed  hall,  so  wide  were  his  wings 
either  way ; and  he  appeared  to  them  speeding  on  the 
right  hand  above  the  city.  And  when  they  saw  the  eagle 
they  rejoiced  and  all  their  hearts  were  glad  within  their 
breasts. 

Then  the  old  man  made  haste  to  go  up  into  his  car,  and 
drave  forth  from  the  doorway  and  the  echoing  portico.  In 
front  the  mules  drew  the  four-wheeled  wain,  and  wise  Idaios 
drave  them;  behind  came  the  horses  which  the  old  man 
urged  with  the  lash  at  speed  along  the  city  : and  his  friends 
all  followed  lamenting  loud  as  though  he  were  faring  to  his 
death.  And  when  they  were  come  down  from  the  city  and 
trere  now  on  the  plain,  then  went  back  again  to  Ilios  his 
cons  and  marriage  kin.  But  the  two  coming  forth  upon 
the  plain  were  not  unbeheld  of  far-seeing  Zeus.  But  he 
looked  upon  the  old  man  and  had  compassion  on  him,  and 
straightway  spake  unto  Hermes  his  dear  son  : “ Hennes, 
since  unto  thee  especially  is  it  dear  to  companion  men, 
and  thou  hearest  whomsoever  thou  wilt,  go  forth  and  so 
guide  Priam  to  the  hollow  ships  of  the  Achaians  that  no  man 
behold  or  be  aware  of  him,  among  all  the  Danaans1  host, 
until  he  come  to  the  son  of  Peleus.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  Messenger,  the  slayer  of  Argus, 
was  not  disobedient  unto  his  word.  Straightway  beneath  his 
feet  he  bound  on  his  fair  sandals,  golden,  divine,  that  bare  him 
over  the  wet  sea  and  over  the  boundless  land  with  the  breath- 
ings of  the  wind.  And  he  took  up  his  wand  wherewith  be 
entranceth  the  eyes  of  such  men  as  he  will,  and  others  he 
likewise  waketh  out  of  sleep  : this  did  the  strong  slayer  o i 
Argus  take  in  his  hand,  and  flew.  And  quickly  came  he  to 
Troy-land  and  the  Hellespont,  and  went  on  his  way  in  sem- 


ILIAD  XXIV,  347-3 7 '/  4^9 

blance  as  a young  man  that  is  a prince,  with  the  new  down 
on  his  chin,  as  when  the  youth  of  men  is  the  comeiiest. 

Now  the  others,  when  they  had  driven  beyond  the  great 
barrow  of  Ilos,  halted  the  mules  and  horses  at  the  river  to 
drink;  for  darkness  was  come  down  over  the  earth.  Then 
the  herald  beheld  Hermes  from  hard  by,  and  marked  him, 
and  spake  and  said  to  Priam  : “ Consider,  son  of  Dardanos  j 
this  is  matter  of  prudent  thought.  I see  a man,  methinks 
we  shall  full  soon  be  rent,  in  pieces.  Come,  let  us  flee  in 
our  chariot,  or  else  at  least  touch  his  knees  and  entreat  him 
that  he  have  mercy  on  us.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  old  man  was  confounded,  and  he 
was  dismayed  exceedingly,  and  the  hair  on  his  pliant  limbs 
stood  up,  and  he  stood  still  amazed.  But  the  Helper  came 
nigh  of  himself  and  took  the  old  man’s  hand,  and  spake  and 
questioned  him  : “ Whither,  father,  dost  thou  thus  guide 
these  horses  and  mules  through  the  divine  night,  when  other 
mortals  are  asleep?  Hadst  thou  no  fear  of  the  fierce- 
breathing  Achaians,  thy  bitter  foes  that  are  hard  anigh  thee . 
If  one  of  them  should  espy  thee  carrying  such  treasures 
through  the  swift  black  night,  what  then  would  be  thy 
thought  ? Neither  art  thou  young  thyself,  and  thy  com- 
panion here  is  old,  that  ye  should  make  defence  against 
a man  that  should  assail  thee  first.  But  I will  no  wise 
harm  thee,  yea  I will  keep  any  other  from , thy  hurt:  for 
the  similitude  of  my  dear  father  I see  in  thee. 

And  to  him  in  answer  spake  the  old  man,  godlike  I riant . 
“ Even  so,  kind  son,  are  all  these  things  as  thou  sayest.  N ever- 
the’.ess  hath  some  god  stretched  forth  his  hand  even  over  me 
in  that  he  hath  sent  a wayfarer  such  as  thou  to  meet  me,  a 
bearer  of  good  luck,  by  the  nobleness  of  thy  form  and 
semblance  ; and  thou  art  wise  of  heart  and  of  blessed  parents 
art  thou  sprung.” 


ILIAD  XXIV,  378-412 


490 

And  to  him  again  spake  the  Messenger,  the  slayer  of  Argus  ; 
1!  All  this,  old  sire,  hast  thou  verily  spoken  aright.  But  come 
say  this  and  tell  me  truly  whether  thou  art  taking  forth  a great 
and  goodly  treasure  unto  alien  men,  where  it  may  abide  for 
thee  in  safety,  or  whether  by  this  ye  are  all  forsaking  holy  Ilios 
in  fear ; so  far  the  best  man  among  you  hath  perished,  even 
thy  son  ; for  of  battle  with  the  Achaians  abated  he  never  a 
jot” 

And  to  him  in  answer  spake  the  old  man,  godlike  Priam  . 
“ Who  art  thou,  noble  sir,  and  of  whom  art  born  ? For  meetly 
hast  thou  spoken  of  the  fate  of  my  hapless  son.” 

And  to  him  again  spake  the  Messenger,  the  slayer  of  Argus: 
“Thou  art  proving  me,  old  sire,  in  asking  me  of  noble  Hector. 
Plim  have  I full  oft  seen  with  mine  eyes  in  glorious  battle,  and 
when  at  the  ships  he  was  slaying  the  Argives  he  drave  thither, 
piercing  them  with  the  keen  bronze,  and  we  stood  still  and 
marvelled  thereat,  for  Achilles  suffered  us  not  to  fight,  being 
wroth  against  Atreus’  son.  His  squire  am  I,  and  came  in  the 
same  well-wrought  ship.  From  the  Myrmidons  I come,  and 
my  father  is  Polyktor.  Wealthy  is  he,  and  an  old  man  even 
as  thou,  and  six  other  sons  hath  he,  and  I am  his  seventh. 
With  the  others  I cast  lots,  and  it  fell  to  me  to  fare  hither  with 
the  host.  And  now  am  I come  from  the  ships  to  the  plain, 
for  at  day-break  the  glancing-eyed  Achaians  will  set  the  battle 
in  array  around  the  town.  For  it  chafeth  them  to  be  sitting 
here,  nor  can  the  Achaian  lords  hold  in  their  fury  for  the  fray.” 

And  the  old  man,  godlike  Priam,  answered  him,  saying : 
“ If  verily  thou  art  a squire  of  Achilles  Peleus’  son,  come  tell 
me  all  the  truth,  whether  still  my  son  is  by  the  ships,  or 
whether  ere  now  Achilles  hath  riven  him  limb  from  limb  and 
cast  him  to  the  dogs.” 

Then  to  him  again  spake  the  Messenger  the  slayer  of  Argus : 
“ Old  sire,  net  yet  have  dogs  or  birds  devoured  him,  but  there 


ILIAD  XXIV,  412-444  49 1 

lietb  he  still  by  Achilles’  ship,  even  as  he  fell,  among  the  huts, 
and  the  twelfth  morn  now  hath  risen  upon  him,  nor  doth  his 
flesh  corrupt  at  all,  neither  worms  consume  it,  such  as  devour 
men  slain  in  war.  Truly  Achilles  draggeth  him  recklessly 
around  the  barrow  of  his  dear  comrade  so  oft  as  divine  day 
dawneth,  yet  marreth  he  him  not ; thou  wouldst  marvel  if 
thou  couldst  go  see  thyself  how  dewy  fresh  he  lieth,  and  is 
washed  clean  of  blood,  nor  anywhere  defiled  ; and  all  his 
wounds  wherewith  he  was  stricken  are  closed;  howbeit  many 
plunged  their  points  in  him.  So  careful  are  the  blessed  gods 
of  thy  son,  though  he  be  but  a dead  corpse,  for  they  held  him 
dear  at  heart.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  old  man  rejoiced,  and  answered 
him,  saying : “ My  son,  it  is  verily  a good  thing  to  give  due 
offerings  wnthal  to  the  Immortals,  for  never  did  my  child  if 
that  child  indeed  I had— forget  in  our  halls  the  gods  who 
inhabit  Olympus.  Therefore  have  they  remembered  this  for 
him,  albeit  his  portion  is  death.  But  come  now  take  from 
me  this  goodly  goblet,  and  guard  me  myself  and  guide  me, 
under  Heaven,  that  I may  come  unto  the  hut  of  Peleus’  son.” 

Then  spake  unto  him  again  the  Messenger  the  slayer  of 
Argus : “ Thou  art  proving  me,  old  sire,  who  am  younger 
than  thou,  but  thou  wilt  not  prevail  upon  me,  in  that  thou 
biddest  me  take  gifts  from  thee  without  Achilles’  privity.  I 
were  afraid  and  shamed  at  heart  to  defraud  him.  lest  some 
evil  come  to  pass  on  me  hereafter.  But  as  thy  guide  1 
would  go  even  unto  famous  Argos,  accompanying  thee 
courteously  in  swift  ship  or  on  foot.  Not  from  scorn  of  thy 
guide  would  any  assail  thee  then.” 

Thus  spake  the  Helper,  and  leaping  on  the  chariot  behind 
the  horses  he  swiftly  took  lash  and  reins  into  his  hand,  and 
breathed  brave  spirit  into  horses  and  mules.  But  when  they 
were  come  to  the  towers  and  trench  of  the  ships,  there  were 


492  ILIAD  XXIV,  444-477 

the  sentinels  just  busying  them  about  their  supper.  Then 
the  Messenger,  the  slayer  of  Argus,  shed  sleep  upon  them 
all,  and  straightway  opened  the  gates  and  thrust  back  the 
bars,  and  brought  within  Priam  and  the  splendid  gifts  upon 
his  wain.  And  they  came  to  the  lofty  hut  of  the  son  of 
Peleus,  which  the  Myrmidons  made  for  their  king  and  hewed 
therefor  timber  of  the  pine,  and  thatched  it  with  downy 
thatching  - rush  that  they  mowed  in  the  meadows,  and 
around  it  made  for  him  their  lord  a great  court  with  close-set 
palisades ; and  the  door  was  barred  by  a single  bolt  of  pine 
that  three  Achaians  wont  to  drive  home,  and  three  drew 
back  that  mighty  bar — three  of  the  rest,  but  Achilles  by 
himself  would  drive  it  home.  Then  opened  the  Helper 
Hermes  the  door  for  the  old  man,  and  brought  in  the 
splendid  gifts  for  Peleus’  fleet-footed  son,  and  descended 
from  the  chariot  to  the  earth  and  spake  aloud : “ Old  sire,  I 
that  have  come  to  thee  am  an  immortal  god,  even  Henries, 
for  my  father  sent  me  to  companion  thee  on  thy  way.  But 
now  will  I depart  from  thee  nor  come  within  Achilles’  sight ; 
it  were  cause  of  wrath  that  an  immortal  god  should  thus 
show  favour  openly  unto  mortals.  But  thou  go  in  and  clasp 
the  knees  of  Peleus’  son  and  entreat  him  for  his  father’s  sake 
and  his  mother’s  of  the  lovely  hair  and  for  his  child’s  sake 
that  thou  mayest  move  his  soul.” 

Thus  Hermes  spake,  and  departed  unto  high  Olympus. 
But  Priam  leapt  from  the  car  to  the  earth,  and  left  Idaios  in 
his  place ; he  stayed  to  mind  the  horses  and  mules ; but  the 
old  man  made  straight  for  the  house  where  Achilles  dear  to 
Zeus  was  wont  to  sit.  And  therein  he  found  the  man  him- 
self, and  his  comrades  sate  apart : two  only,  the  hero  Auto- 
medon  and  Alkimos,  of  the  stock  of  Ares,  were  busy  in  at 
tendance ; and  he  was  lately  ceased  from  meat,  even  from  eat- 
ing and  drinking  : and  still  the  table  stood  beside  him.  But 


ILIAD  XXIV,  477-508 


493 


they  were  unaware  of  great  Priam  as  he  came  in,  and  so  stood 
he  anigh  and  clasped  in  his  hands  the  knees  of  Achilles,  and 
kissed  his  hands,  terrible,  man-slaying,  that  slew  many  of  Pri- 
am’s sons.  And  as  when  a grievous  curse  cometh  upon  a man 
who  in  his  own  country  hath  slain  another  and  escapeth  to  a 
land  of  strangers,  to  the  house  of  some  rich  man,  and  wonder 
possesseth  them  that  look  on  him — so  Achilles  wondered  when 
he  saw  godlike  Priam,  and  the  rest  wondered  likewise,  and 
looked  upon  one  another.  Then  Priam  spake  and  entreated 
him,  saying : “ Bethink  thee,  O Achilles  like  to  gods,  of  thy 
father  that  is  of  like  years  with  me,  on  the  grievous  pathway 
of  old  age.  Plim  haply  are  the  dwellers  round  about  entreat- 
ing evilly,  nor  is  there  any  to  ward  from  him  ruin  and  bane. 
Nevertheless  while  he  heareth  of  thee  as  yet  alive  he  re- 
joiceth  in  his  heart,  and  hopeth  withal  day  after  day  that  he 
shall  see  his  dear  son  returning  from  Troy-land.  But  I,  1 
am  utterly  unblest,  since  I begat  sons  the  best  men  in  wide 
Troy-land,  but  declare  unto  thee  that  none  of  them  is  left. 
Fifty  I had,  when  the  sons  of  the  Achaians  came ; nineteen 
were  born  to  me  of  one  mother,  and  concubines  bare  the 
rest  within  my  halls.  Now  of  the  more  part  had  impetuous 
Ares  unstrung  the  knees,  and  he  who  was  yet  left  and  guarded 
city  and  men,  him  slewest  thou  but  now  as  he  fought  for  his 
country,  even  Hector.  For  his  sake  come  I unto  the  ships 
of  the  Achaians  that  I may  win  him  back  from  thee,  and  I 
bring  with  me  untold  ransom.  Yea,  fear  thou  the  gods, 
Achilles,  and  have  compassion  on  me,  even  me,  bethinking 
thee  of  thy  father.  Lo,  I am  yet  more  piteous  than  he,  and 
have  braved  what  none  other  man  on  earth  hath  braved 
before,  to  stretch  forth  my  hand  toward  the  face  of  the  slayer 
of  my  sons.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  stirred  within  Achilles  desire  to  make 
lament  for  his  father.  And  he  touched  the  old  man’s  hand 


494 


ILIAD  XXIY,  508-542 


and  gently  moved  him  back.  And  as  they  both  bethought 
them  of  their  dead,  so  Priam  for  man-slaying  Hector  wept 
sore  as  he  was  fallen  before  Achilles’  feet,  and  Achilles  wept 
for  his  own  father,  and  now  again  for  Patroklos,  and  their 
mean  went  up  throughout  the  house.  But  when  noble 
Achilles  had  satisfied  him  with  lament,  and  the  desire  thereof 
departed  from  his  heart  and  limbs,  straightway  he  sprang 
from  his  seat  and  raised  the  old  man  by  his  hand,  pitying  his 
hoary  head  and  hoar}’  beard,  and  spake  unto  him  winged 
words  and  said : “ Ah  hapless  ! many  ill  things  verily  thou 
hast  endured  in  thy  heart.  How  durst  thou  come  alone 
to  the  ships  of  the  Achaians  and  to  meet  the  eyes  of  the 
man  who  hath  slain  full  many  of  thy  brave  sons  ? of  iron 
verily  is  thy  heart.  But  come  then  set  thee  on  a seat,  and 
we  will  let  our  sorrows  lie  quiet  in  our  hearts,  for  all  our  pain, 
for  no  avail  cometh  of  chill  lament.  This  is  the  lot  the 
gods  have  spun  for  miserable  men,  that  they  should  live  in 
pain ; yet  themselves  are  sorrowless.  For  two  urns  stand 
upon  the  floor  of  Zeus  filled  with  his  evil  gifts,  and  one  with 
blessings.  To  whomsoever  Zeus  whose  joy  is  in  the  lightning 
dealeth  a mingled  lot,  that  man  chanceth  now  upon  ill  and 
now  again  on  good,  but  to  whom  he  giveth  but  of  the  bad 
kind  him  he  bringeth  to  scorn,  and  evil  famine  chaseth  him 
over  the  goodly  earth,  and  he  is  a wanderer  honoured  of 
neither  gods  nor  men.  Even  thus  to  Peleus  gave  the  gods 
splendid  gifts  from  his  birth,  for  he  excelled  all  men  in  good 
fortune  and  wealth,  and  was  king  of  the  Myrmidons,  and 
mortal  though  be  was  the  gods  gave  him  a goddess  to  be  his 
bride.  Yet  even  on  him  God  brought  evil,  seeing  that  there 
arose  to  him  no  offspring  of  princely  sons  in  his  halls,  save 
that  he  begat  one  son  to  an  untimely  death.  Neither  may 
I tend  him  as  he  groweth  old,  since  very  far  from  my  country 
I am  dwelling  in  Troy -land  to  vex  thee  and  thy  children. 


495 


ILIAD  XXIV,  543-571 

And  of  thee,  old  sire,  we  have  heard  how  of  old  time  thou 
wert  happy,  even  how  of  all  that  Lesbos,  seat  of  Makar, 
boundeth  to  the  north  thereof  and  Phrygia  farther  up  and 
the  vast  Hellespont — of  all  these  folk,  men  say,  thou  wert  the 
richest  in  wealth  and  in  sons,  but  after  that  the  Powers  of 
Heaven  brought  this  bane  on  thee,  ever  are  battles  and  man- 
slayings  around  thy  city.  Keep  courage,  and  lament  not 
unabatingly  in  thy  heart.  For  nothing  wilt  thou  avail  by 
grieving  for  thy  son,  neither  shalt  thou  bring  him  back  to  life 
or  ever  some  new  evil  come  upon  thee.” 

Then  made  answer  unto  him  the  old  man,  godlike  Priam  : 
“ Bid  me  not  to  a seat,  O fosterling  of  Zeus,  so  long  as 
Hector  lieth  uncarcd  for  at  the  huts,  but  straightway  give  him 
back  that  I may  behold  him  with  mine  eyes ; and  accept 
thou  the  great  ransom  that  we  bring.  So  mayest  thou  have 
pleasure  thereof,  and  come  unto  thy  native  land,  since  thou 
hast  spared  me  from  the  first.” 1 

Then  fleet-footed  Achilles  looked  sternly  upon  him  and 
said : “ No  longer  chafe  me,  old  sire ; of  myself  am  I minded 
to  give  Hector  back  to  thee,  for  there  came  to  me  a mes- 
senger from  Zeus,  even  my  mother  who  bare  me,  daughter  of 
the  Ancient  One  of  the  Sea.  And  I know,  O Priam,  in  my 
mind,  nor  am  unaware  that  some  god  it  is  that  hath  guided 
thee  to  the  swift  ships  of  the  Achaians.  For  no  mortal  man, 
even  though  in  prime  of  youth,  would  dare  to  come  among  the 
host,  for  neither  could  he  escape  the  watch,  nor  easily  thrust 
back  the  bolt  of  our  doors.  Therefore  now  stir  ray  heart  no 
more  amid  my  troubles,  lest  I leave  not  even  thee  in  peace, 
old  sire,  within  my  hut,  albeit  thou  art  my  suppliant,  and  lest 
I transgress  the  commandment  of  Zeus.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  old  man  feared,  and  obeyed  his 

1 Omitting  line  558,  which  was  unknown  to  Aristarchus,  and  even 
to  Henvdianos. 


496 


ILIAD  XXIV,  571-604 


word  And  the  son  of  Peleus  leapt  like  a lion  through  the 
door  of  the  house,  not  alone,  for  with  him  went  two  squires, 
the  hero  Automedon  and  Alkimos,  they  whom  above  all  his 
comrades  Achilles  honoured,  save  only  Patroklos  that  was 
dead.  They  then  loosed  from  under  the  yoke  the  horses 
and  mules,  and  led  in  the  old  man’s  crier-herald  and  set 
hirn  on  a chair,  and  from  the  wain  of  goodly  felloes  they 
took  the  countless  ransom  set  on  Hector’s  head.  But  they 
left  two  robes  and  a well-spun  doublet,  that  Achilles  might 
wrap  the  dead  therein  when  he  gave  him  to  be  carried  home. 
And  he  called  forth  handmaids  and  bade  them  wash  and 
anoint  him  when  they  had  borne  him  apart,  so  that  Priarn 
should  not  look  upon  his  son,  test  he  should  not  refrain  the 
wrath  at  his  sorrowing  heart  when  he  should  look  upon  his 
son,  and  lest  Achilles’  heart  be  vexed  thereat  and  he  slay 
him  and  transgress  the  commandment  of  Zeus.  So  when 
the  handmaids  had  washed  the  body  and  anointed  it  with 
oil,  and  had  thrown  over  it  a fair  robe  and  a doublet,  then 
Achilles  himself  lifted  it  and  laid  it  on  a bier,  and  his  com- 
rades with  him  lifted  it  onto  the  polished  waggon.  Then  he 
groaned  aloud  and  called  on  his  dear  comrade  by  his  name  : 
“ Patroklos,  be  not  vexed  with  me  if  thou  hear  even  in  the 
house  of  Hades  that  I have  given  back  noble  Hector  unto  his 
dear  father,  for  not  unworthy  is  the  ransom  he  hath  given  me, 
whereof  I will  deal  to  thee  again  thy  rightful  share.” 

Thus  spake  noble  Achilles,  and  went  back  into  the  hut, 
and  sate  him  down  on  the  cunningly-wrought  couch  whence 
he  had  arisen  by  the  opposite  wall,  and  spake  a word  to  Priam  : 
“Thy  son,  old  sire,  is  given  back  as  thou  wouldest  and  lieth 
on  a bier,  and  with  the  break  of  day  thou  shalt  see  him  thy- 
self as  thou  carriest  him.  But  now  bethink  we  us  of  suppei. 
For  even  faired-haired  Niobe  bethought  her  of  meat,  she 
whose  twelve  children  perished  in  her  halls,  six  daughters 


ILIAD  XXIV,  604-637 


497 


and  six  lusty  sons.  The  sons  Apollo,  in  his  anger  against 
Niobe,  slew  with  arrows  from  his  silver  bow,  and  the  daughters 
archer  Artemis,  for  that  Niobe  matched  herself  against  fair- 
cheeked Leto,  saying  that  the  goddess  bare  but  twain  but 
herself  many  children  : so  they  though  they  were  but  twain 
destroyed  the  others  all.  Nine  days  they  lay  in  their  blood, 
nor  was  there  any  to  bury  them,  for  Kronion  turned  the 
folk  to  stones.  Yet  on  the  tenth  day  the  gods  of  heaven 
buried  them,  and  she  then  bethought  her  of  meat,  when  she 
was  wearied  out  with  weeping  tears.  And  somewhere  now 
among  the  cliffs,  on  the  lonely  mountains,  even  on  Sipylos, 
where  they  say  are  the  couching-places  of  nymphs  that  dance 
around  Acheloos,  there  she,  albeit  a stone,  broodeth  still 
over  her  troubles  from  the  gods.  But  come  let  us  too, 
noble  father,  take  thought  of  meat,  and  afterward  thou  shalt 
mourn  over  thy  dear  son  as  thou  earnest  him  to  Ilios ; and 
many  tears  shall  be  his  due.” 

Thus  spake  fleet  Achilles,  and  sprang  up,  and  slew  a pure 
white  sheep,  and  his  comrades  skinned  and  made  it  ready  in 
seemly  fashion,  and  divided  it  cunningly  and  pierced  it  with 
spits,  and  roasted  it  carefully  and  drew  all  off.  And  Auto- 
medon  took  bread  and  served  it  on  a table  in  fair  baskets, 
while  Achilles  dealt  out  the  flesh.  And  they  stretched  forth 
their  hands  to  the  good  cheer  lying  ready  before  them. 
But  when  they  had  put  off  the  desire  of  meat  and  drink,  then 
Priam  son  of  Dardanos  marvelled  at  Achilles  to  see  how 
great  he  was  and  how  goodly,  for  he  was  like  a god  to  look 
upon.  And  Achilles  marvelled  at  Priam  son  of  Dardanos, 
beholding  his  noble  aspect  and  hearkening  to  his  words. 
But  when  they  had  gazed  their  fill  upon  one  other,  then  first 
spake  the  old  man,  godlike  Priam,  to  Achilles : “ Now  pre- 
sently give  me  whereon  to  lie,  fosterling  of  Zeus,  that  of  sweet 
sleep  also  we  may  now  take  our  fill  at  rest : for  never  yet  have 

7 K 


49§ 


ILIAD  XXIV,  637-669 

mine  eyes  closed  beneath  their  lids  since  at  thy  hands  ray 
son  lost  his  life,  but  I continually  mourn  and  brood  over 
countless  griefs,  grovelling  in  the  courtyard-close  amid  the 
mire.  Now  at  last  have  I tasted  bread  and  poured  bright 
wine  down  my  throat,  but  till  now  I had  tasted  nought.” 

He  said,  and  Achilles  bade  his  comrades  and  handmaids 
to  set  a bedstead  beneath  the  portico,  and  to  cast  thereon 
fair  shining  rugs  and  spread  coverlets  above  and  thereon  to 
lay  thick  mantles  to  be  a clothing  over  all.  And  the  maids 
went  forth  from  the  inner  hall  with  torches  in  their  hands,  and 
quickly  spread  two  beds  in  haste.  Then  with  bitter  mean- 
ing1 said  fleet-footed  Achilles  unto  Priam  : “ Lie  thou  with- 
out, dear  sire,  lest  there  come  hither  one  of  the  counsellors 
of  the  Achaians,  such  as  ever  take  counsel  with  me  by  my 
side,  as  custom  is.  If  any  of  such  should  behold  thee 
through  the  swift  black  night,  forthwith  he  might  haply  tell 
it  to  Agamemnon  shepherd  of  the  host,  and  thus  would 
there  be  delay,  in  giving  back  the  dead.  But  come  say  this 
to  me  and  tell  it  true,  how  many  days’  space  thou  art  fain  to 
make  funeral  for  noble  Hector,  so  that  for  so  long  I may 
myself  abide  and  may  keep  back  the  host.” 

And  the  old  man,  godlike  Priam,  answered  him  saying : 
“ If  thou  art  verily  willing  that  I accomplish  noble  Hector’s 
funeral,  by  doing  as  tjhou  sayest,  O Achilles,  thou  wilt  do  me 
grace.  For  thou  knowest  how  we  are  pent  within  the  city, 
and  wood  from  the  mountain  is  far  to  fetch,  and  the  Trojans 
are  much  in  fear.  Nine  days  will  we  make  moan  for  him  in 
our  halls,  and  on  the  tenth  we  will  hold  funeral  and  the 
folk  shall  feast,  and  on  the  eleventh  we  will  make  a barrow 
over  him,  and  on  the  twelfth  we  will  do  battle  if  need  be.” 

Then  again  spake  the  fleet  noble  Achilles  unto  him  say- 
ing : “ All  this,  O ancient  Priam,  shall  be  as  thou  biddest ; 

1 In  his  reference  to  Agamemnon. 


ILIAD  XXIV,  670-702 


499 

for  I will  hold  back  the  battle  even  so  long  a time  as  thou 
tellest  me." 

Thus  speaking  he  clasped  the  old  man’s  right  hand  at  the 
wrist,  lest  he  should  be  anywise  afraid  at  heart.  So  they  in 
the  forepart  of  the  house  laid  them  down,  Priam  and  the 
herald,  with  wise  thoughts  at  their  hearts,  but  Achilles  slept 
in  a recess  of  the  firm-wrought  hut,  and  beside  him  lay  fair- 
cheeked Briseis. 

Now  all  other  gods  and  warriors  lords  of  chariots  slum- 
bered all  night,  by  soft  sleep  overcome.  But  not  on  the 
Helper  Hermes  did  sleep  take  hold  as  he  sought  within  his 
heart  how  he  should  guide  forth  king  Priam  from  the  ships 
unespied  of  the  trusty  sentinels.  And  he  stood  above  his 
head  and  spake  a word  to  him  : “ Old  sire,  no  thought  then 
hast  thou  of  any  evil,  seeing  thou  yet  sleepest  among  men 
that  are  thine  enemies,  for  that  Achilles  spared  thee.  Truly 
now  hast  thou  won  back  thy  dear  son,  and  at  great  price. 
But  for  thy  life  will  thy  sons  thou  hast  left  behind  be  offer- 
ing threefold  ransom,  if  but  Agamemnon  Atreus’  son  be 
aware  of  thee,  and  aware  be  all  the  Achaians.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  the  old  man  feared,  and  roused  the 
herald.  And  Hermes  yoked  the  horses  and  mules  for  them, 
and  himself  drave  them  lightly  through  the  camp,  and  none 
was  aware  of  them. 

But  when  they  came  to  the  ford  of  the  fair-flowing  river, 
[even  eddying  Xanthos,  begotten  of  immortal  Zeus,]  then 
Hermes  departed  up  to  high  Olympus,  and  Morning  of  the 
saffron  robe  spread  over  all  the  earth.  And  they  with  wail 
and  moan  drave  the  horses  to  the  city,  and  the  mules  drew 
the  dead.  Nor  marked  them  any  man  or  fair-girdled  woman 
until  Kassandra,  peer  of  golden  Aphrodite,  having  gone  up 
upon  Pcrgainos,  was  aware  of  her  dear  father  as  he  stood  in 
the  car,  and  the  herald  that  was  crier  to  the  town.  Then 


ILIAD  XXIV,  702-733 


500 

beheld  she  him  that  lay  upon  the  bier  behind  the  mules,  and 
thereat  she  wailed  and  cried  aloud  throughout  all  the  town  : 
“ O men  and  women  of  Troy,  come  ye  hither  and  look  upon 
Hector,  if  ever  while  he  was  alive  ye  rejoiced  when  he  came 
back  from  battle,  since  great  joy  was  he  to  the  city  and  all 
the  folk.” 

Thus  spake  she,  nor  was  man  or  woman  left  within  the 
city,  for  upon  all  came  unendurable  grief.  And  near  the 
gates  they  met  Priam  bringing  home  the  dead.  First  be- 
wailed him  his  de’ar  wife  and  lady  mother,  as  they  cast  them 
on  the  fair-wheeled  wain  and  touched  his  head ; and  around 
them  stood  the  throng  and  wept.  So  all  day  long  unto 
the  setting  of  the  sun  they  had  lamented  Hector  in  tears 
without  the  gate,  had  not  the  old  man  spoken  from  the  car 
among  the  folk : “ Give  me  place  for  the  mules  to  pass 
through  ; hereafter  ye  shall  have  your  fill  of  wailing,  when  I 
have  brought  him  unto  his  home.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  parted  asunder  and  gave  place 
to  the  wain.  And  the  others  when  they  had  brought  him  to 
the  famous  house,  laid  him  on  a fretted  bed,  and  set  beside 
him  minstrels  leaders  of  the  dirge,  who  wailed  a mournful 
lay,  while  the  women  made  moan  with  them.  And  among 
the  women  white-armed  Andromache  led  the  lamentation, 
while  in  her  hands  she  held  the  head  of  Hector  slayer  of 
men  : “ Husband,  thou  art  gone  young  from  life,  and  leavest 
me  a widow  in  thy  halls.  And  the  child  is  yet  but  a little 
one,  child  of  ill-fated  parents,  thee  and  me ; nor  methinks 
shall  he  grow  up  to  manhood,  for  ere  then  shall  this  city  be 
utterly  destroyed.  For  thou  art  verily  perished  who  didst 
watch  over  it,  who  guardedst  it  and  keptest  safe  its  noble 
wives  and  infant  little  ones.  These  soon  shall  be  voyaging 
in  the  hollow  ships,  yea  and  I too  with  them,  and  thou,  my 
child,  shalt  either  go  with  me  unto  a place  where  thou  shalt 


ILIAD  XXIV,  733-765 


5QI 

toil  at  unseemly  tasks,  labouring  before  the  face  of  some 
harsh  lord,  or  else  some  Achaian  will  take  thee  by  the  arm 
and  hurl  thee  from  the  battlement,  a grievous  death,  for  that 
he  is  wroth  because  Hector  slew  his  brother  or  father  or  son, 
since  full  many  of  the  Achaians  at  Hector’s  hands  have  bitten 
the  firm  earth.  For  no  light  hand  had  thy  father  in  the 
grievous  fray.  Therefore  the  folk  lament  him  throughout 
the  city,  and  woe  unspeakable 1 and  mourning  hast  thou  left 
to  thy  parents,  Hector,  but  with  me  chiefliest  shall  grievous 
pain  abide.  For  neither  didst  thou  stretch  thy  hands  to  me 
from  a bed  in  thy  death,  neither  didst  speak  to  me  some 
memorable  word  that  I might  have  thought  on  evermore  as 
my  tears  fall  night  and  day.” 

Thus  spake  she  wailing,  and  the  women  joined  their 
moan.  And  among  them  Hekabe  again  led  the  loud  lament : 
“ Hector,  of  all  my  children  far  dearest  to  my  heart,  verily 
while  thou  wert  alive  dear  wert  thou  to  the  gods,  and  even 
in  thy  doom  of  death  have  they  had  care  for  thee.  For 
other  sons  of  mine  whom  he  took  captive  would  fleet  Achilles 
sell  beyond  the  unvintaged  sea  unto  Samos  and  Imbrcs  and 
smoking  Lemnos,2  but  when  with  keen-edged  bronze  he  had 
bereft  thee  of  thy  life  he  was  fain  to  drag  thee  oft  around 
the' tomb  of  his  comrade,  even  Patroklos  whom  thou  slewest, 
yet  might  he  not  raise  him  up  thereby.  But  now  all  dewy 
and  fresh  thou  liest  in  our  halls,  like  one  on  whom  Apollo, 
lord  of  the  silver  bow,  hath  descended  and  slain  him  with 
his  gentle  darts.” 

Thus  spake  she  wailing,  and  stirred  unending  moan. 
Then  thirdly  Helen  led  their  sore  lament : “ Hector,  of  all 
my  brethren  of  Troy  far  dearest  to  my  heart ! Truly  my 
lord  is  godlike  Alexandras  who  brought  me  to  Troy-land — 
would  I had  died  ere  then.  For  this  is  now  the  twentieth 


1 Reading  ipovror. 


5 A volcanic  Island. 


502 


ILIAD  XXIV,  765-799 


year  since  I went  thence  and  am  gone  from  my  own  native 
land,  but  never  yet  heard  I evil  or  despiteful  word  from  thee  . 
nay,  if  any  other  haply  upbraided  me  in  the  palace-halls, 
whether  brother  or  sister  of  thine  or  brother’s  fair-robed  wife, 
or  thy  mother — but  thy  father  is  ever  kind  to  me  as  he  were  my 
own — then  wouldst  thou  soothe  such  with  words  and  refrain 
them,  by  the  gentleness  of  thy  spirit  and  by  thy  gentle  words. 
Therefore  bewail  I thee  with  pain  at  heart,  and  my  hapless 
self  with  thee,  for  no  more  is  any  left  in  wide  Troy-land  to 
be  my  friend  and  kind  to  me,  but  all  men  shudder  at  me.” 

Thus  spake  she  wailing,  and  therewith  the  great  multitude 
of  the  people  groaned.  But  the  old  man  Priam  spake  a word 
among  the  folk  : “ Bring  wood,  men  of  Troy,  unto  the  city, 
and  be  not  anywise  afraid  at  heart  of  a crafty  ambush  of  the 
Achaians ; for  this  message  Achilles  gave  me  when  he  sent 
me  from  the  black  ships,  that  they  should  do  us  no  hurt 
until  the  twelfth  morn  arise.” 

Thus  spake  he,  and  they  yoked  oxen  and  mules  to  wains, 
and  quickly  then  they  flocked  before  the  city.  So  nine  days 
they  gathered  great  store  of  wood.  But  when  the  tenth 
morn  rose  with  light  for  men,  then  bare  they  forth  brave 
Hector,  weeping  tears,  and  on  a lofty  pyre  they  laid  the  dead 
man,  and  thereon  cast  fire. 

But  when  the  daughter  of  Dawn,  rosy-fingered  Morning, 
shone  forth,  then  gathered  the  folk  around  glorious  Hector’s 
pyre.1  First  quenched  they  with  bright  wine  all  the  burn- 
ing, so  far  as  the  fire’s  strength  went,  and  then  his  brethren 
and  comrades  gathered  his  white  bones  lamenting,  and  big 
tears  flowed  down  their  cheeks.  And  the  bones  they  took 
and  laid  in  a golden  urn,  shrouding  them  in  soft  purple 
robes,  and  straightway  laid  the  um  in  a hollow  grave  and 
piled  thereon  great  close-set  stones,  and  heaped  with  speed 
1 Omitting,  with  utmost  all  the  best  MSS.,  the  superfluous  liae  750. 


ILIAD  XXIV,  799-804 


503 

a barrow,  while  watchers  were  set  everywhere  around,  lest  the 
well-gTeaved  Achaians  should  make  onset  before  the  time. 
And  when  they  had  heaped  the  barrow  they  went  back,  and 
gathered  them  together  and  feasted  right  well  in  noble  feast 
at  the  palace  of  Priam,  Zeus-fostered  king. 

Thus  held  they  funeral  for  Hector  tamer  of  horses. 


NOTES. 


Note  i,  p.  40;  Book  II,  628. 

THE  STORY  OF  PHYLEUS. 

Phyleus  was  the  son  of  Augeias,  and  sought  a new  home  in  Dub 
chion  because  he  had  borne  witness  against  his  father  before  Herakies, 
concerning  the  hire  which  Augeias  had  promised  for  the  cleansing  of  his 
stables. 


Note  2,  p.  177  ; Book  IX,  529. 

THE  STORY  OF  MELEAGROS. 

Oineus  the  Aitolian  King  of  Kalydon  having  wedded  Althaia 
daughter  of  Thestias  King  of  the  Kurctes,  the  two  peoples  combined 
to  slay  the  wild  boar  that  ravaged  Kalydon,  but  fell  out  over  the  spoils; 
for  Meleagros,  son  of  Oineus,  wished  to  give  them  to  Atalanta,  who 
helped  in  the  chase.  But  the  sons  of  Thestias,  indignant,  had  taken 
them  from  her  ; for  which  Meleagros  slew  them,  and  was  therefore 
cursed  by  his  mother  Althaia,  their  sister. 

Note  3,  p.  1 78  ; Book  IX,  56a 

THE  STORY  OF  KLEOPATRA. 

Idas  son  of  Aphareus  carried  off  Marpessa  from  her  father  F.uenos  ; 
aud  Apollo  wished  to  take  her  from  Idas.  So  the  two  came  to  fight- 


NOTES 


504 

ing.  until  Zeus  separated  them,  and  bade  Marpessa  choose  which  she 
would  have.  And  she  chose  the  mortal,  fearing  least  the  god  should 
prove  faithless. 


Note  4,  p.  403  ; Book  XX,  145. 

Poseidon  and  Apollo,  having  been  commanded  by  Zeus  to  serve 
Laomedon  king  of  Troy  for  hire,  builded  him  a wall  for  a certain  re- 
ward, but  Laomedon  brake  the  oaths  and  the  covenant,  and  drave  them 
away  without  their  wage.  Whereon  Poseidon,  being  wroth,  sent  a sea- 
beast  against  the  land,  and  the  people  perished,  and  tire  fruits.  So 
Laomedon  sought  to  the  oracle,  that  bade  him  sacrifice  his  daughter, 
Ilesione,  to  the  monster,  wherefore  he  exposed  her,  but  offered  a reward, 
namely  the  immortal  horses  of  Zeus,  to  him  that  would  slay  the  thing. 
So  Herakles  was  fain  to  achieve  this  adventure,  and  Athena  builded 
him  a wall,  whence  he  might  sally  out  against  the  sea-beast.  Then 
Herakles  leaped  dowD  the  mouth  and  into  the  belly  of  the  beast,  and 
tore  its  flanks,  and  so  it  died.  But  Laomedon  gave  none  but  mortal 
steeds  to  Herakles,  who,  in  his  wrath,  destroyed  Ilios  utterly,  and  seized 
the  horses.  The  story  is  in  Hdlmikos. 


Above  the  din  or  slavers  and  or  slain 
And  diapason  of  the  war-god's  cry  ; 

Behind  the  dazzle  and  stress  of  chivalry 
And  glow  meridian  of  the  Ilian  plain, 

Tee  finer  ear  discerned  a secret  strain, 

A vision  pierced  to  the  diviner  eye  ; 

The  far-off  rcho  of  a woman's  sigh, 

Weakness  made  perfect  unto  strength  in  pa.in. 
Before  the  throne  of  great  Achilles  see 
The  broken  king  kissing  the  deadly  hands 
Whereby  his  house  is  left  him  desolate  ; 
And  in  the  shadow  of  the  Skaian  gate, 
Her  bare  foredoomed  upon  her  posom,  stands 
Smiling  amid  her  tears,  Andromache. 


W.  L 


► 


883.1 


H766I 


IS 


WOWMi  * 


r r || FRF  I 'RRARV 

i / L-id  8A&Y. 


